I never liked this thing in stories. It always felt kind of stupid and extra. So you think this guy is a heinous person but also leagues stronger than you, so you antagonize them? It's just so contradictory.
It's like they do and talk shit because they're expecting them to be reserved, kind and or humble enough to not break their legs, but the reason they do it in the first place is because they think they're dangerous thugs and or killers.
Ps. It's a very small, blink it and you'll miss it thing, but her hair falling out in the shower due to stress is such a great detail