@jesyka, those who bully, target, and prey on more vulnerable types are in fact, deeply vulnerable insecure people who are overcompensating for their deep-seated feelings of inferiority.

Those who get targeted are typically the really nice people, the more trusting and open people. Those who share their weaknesses, problems, and vulnerabilities openly and in a more innocent and trusting manner. These types of people interpret "nice" as "weak" and therefore, you become a target.

In order to avoid being a target, you have to develop a thick skin and attitude, and be tough on the outside. It means you can't open up to new people so willingly, or expose your vulnerabilities, weaknesses, or issues. It means you have to hold you cards close to your chest, because anyone you meet can take advantage of you and you don't know yet whom you can trust and whom you cannot trust. It means adopting a poker face. It means keeping conversations lighthearted and fun and not personal. It means acting as though you are in a professional work environment and cannot open up or expose yourself to your peers and superiors. It means giving off a vibe of "don't mess with me". It means having strong boundaries and when people violate those boundaries, it means being strong and tough enough to stand up for yourself and walk away.

I am learning how to do this myself, as I too, have been a target for many bullies, abusers, and toxic types. And yes, once a pattern has revealed itself, you do have to ask yourself "what am I doing to attract these types of people over and over again?"