If you wanted friends all you had to do was say so.

I was bullied at school by some kids a grade or so higher. One I had enough so I attacked them back with the good old back-of-the-neck jab. When accused I said to the teacher, no way could that have happened, they're older than me and if anything they were the ones doing the bullying. (which they were.) Got off free and never was bullied again.

Note: this is not a recommendation.