In the midst of an argument, everyone thinks they're right. Things get out of hand, then someone ends up using force in an attempt to prove their point. No one wants to stop and think what the outcome of their actions will be. I'm here to shed light on individual consequences of different actions.
Words will be shoved in your face for the rest of your life. This will include words you don't want to hear as well as words you don't deserve. It will happen and nothing can stop that. No, not even a bloody nose will stop these horrific words.
The guy who doesn't punch someone who tells him he looks bad today but walks away without paying any mind will always be the bigger person. The person who takes pride in calling other girls whales feels bad about themselves. They lose to begin with. They are below you.
If you decide to become physical, you have then sunken down to the level of the oppressor. Instead, rise above them and the situation at large; be the bigger person and walk away. It takes more strength to block out words and walk away then it does to let them overwhelm you and control your body. Sounds simple, right? Then why do people take so much pride in beating someone else unconscious? Usually, they're just immature. Yes, there are definitely situations in which a physical reaction is to be expected. It is still not justified but can be understood.
No matter what words were said or what was posted online, the one who turns the other cheek has more composure and is the bigger person. If you and your friends haven't matured, then yes, your friends probably think you're the coolest person they know for throwing a punch at the kid who said something about your girlfriend. On the other hand, you'd be ten times stronger for walking away mentally unaffected. It's not too complex of a theory to understand, if you stop letting words bother you. They're only words, unfortunately, they'll keep coming no matter how hard you punch.
If you haven't seen my point of view, another way to look at things is to think about the aftermath. If the argument is as a result of a serious issue, then throwing facts at your bully is going to give you more credit than threatening them will. A broken rib or bloody gums will never have a bigger impact on someone's way of thinking than an actual conversation. Throwing a punch is just an impulsive "fix" to a much larger problem. Bullies are not always the most reasonable people but it's worth taking the chance to talk it out, you might be surprised by the outcome.