Earlier this year. Bourbon Street Karaoke bar in Irondale. My husband and I joined two of our friends for a night of fun after a Barons’ baseball game. We had a drink, sang some songs, and were having a great time. I get up and sang my heart out. I sat down and the friend’s husband starts talking about a guy across the bar who was saying things about me while I was singing. Mean things. Our friend was irate and wanted to go talk to him for saying negative things about me, his friend. I couldn’t process what was happening and before I knew it, I was gone. I left, got in my car, and drove home crying. I left my husband there, I left our friends there (they drove separate), and I didn’t care. I was mortified and upset. Why would someone say those things about me? Someone who doesn’t even know me and has never seen me, let alone MET me, before? Who does that at our age anymore? Why would he keep on mouthing off to the point of riling up our friend? Why would I let it affect me so much that I felt the need to rush out of there without a word to anyone? WHY?

Our friends brought my husband home and he calmed me down, but was quite upset that I just left. Understandably. But I was embarrassed and horrified. I was 11 all over again getting called “Scary Sherri.”

Fast forward to a month ago. Some friends invited us to Bourbon Street for a party. Of course I went…I LOVE karaoke. About an hour into it, he walked in. I had completely forgotten about him until he walked in and looked at me. He recognized me and I recognized him. He started whispering to all of his friends and they kept looking at me. Then he took a picture of me. WHAT? I desperately wanted to go say something to him, but Daniel asked that I not start anything. Because it would have been bad. He asked that I not let him affect my night and just have a good time. Too late. The longer he was there, the more he whispered and pointed and the angrier I got. Again, I got up and left without a word. I got into the car and waited for Daniel. I had to message our friends to apologize for the abrupt exit and explain what was going on. They were all very supportive.

I know bullying is an issue. I’ve known it for a long time, but didn’t think it really happened to people my age anymore. Apparently I was very wrong.

Now here’s my question to you: At my age (38) and my maturity level (so-so), how do I handle that if it happens again? I don’t want to stay away from Bourbon Street because I love karaoke. But I don’t ever want to see his face again. If I do, I might punch him…happily. I don’t know what to do. I obviously cannot ignore him, I wish I could. What should I do? What would you do in my situation? All feedback appreciated!