[Apologies to the mods if this thread doesn't belong here. Wasn't sure which would be the best forum for the subject.]

I'm currently in therapy for a whole range of issues. Very high up on that list are severe self esteem and self image issues that stem in part from being bullied throughout my childhood. I was an awkward kid both physically and socially. Add being an introvert and highly sensitive person to that mix, and the result was the "perfect target" (as my T put it) for bullies. I've come to the point where I want to try to forgive these people for the things they said and did in hopes of removing their power and finding closure.

The reason I mention all that is because I was browsing my high school graduating class's home page on Facebook the other day and came across several of my old bullies. Call it morbid curiosity or masochism or what have you, but I was suddenly very tempted to "friend" these people to see if they remembered me. I'm curious if they've become kinder with age or if they're the same a-holes they were back in the day. (I'm 37, btw, to give you an idea of how much time has passed.) I'm wondering what would happen if I reached out, reminded them of what they did, told them how hurtful it was, asked why they did it, and heard what they have to say.

Obviously I haven't done this yet because of the potential for re-traumatization.

Has anyone here ever reached out to a childhood bully? What was the result?

Likewise, do you think the potential for a positive outcome is worth the risk of a negative one? In your own experience, of course - I realize everyone's mileage will vary.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you in advance.