Overview
If someone teases you at school, instead of feeling hurt, you can remind yourself that it's your choice how to react and that their words don’t define your worth.
The Choice
Bjorn must choose between confronting Hana and Alex or ignoring their teasing.
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 8.24464285714286
- Word Count
- 336 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Bjorn and Hana are working on a school project together at Bjorn's house. While taking a break, Bjorn's older brother, Alex, walks in and starts teasing Bjorn about his choice of project topic, calling it 'boring' and 'nerdy.' Hana laughs along with Alex, not wanting to seem uncool. Bjorn feels embarrassed and hurt, but he remembers what his teacher said about controlling how he feels about others' words. Bjorn now faces a choice: (A) confront Hana and Alex about how their words made him feel, or (B) choose to ignore the teasing and focus on finishing the project with Hana.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Confront Hana and Alex
Ignore the teasing
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does 'Control Over Opinions' apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of confronting or ignoring?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Bjorn here?
- 5
Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Epictetus
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
