Getting static electric shocks isn’t fun.  And I know that my science teachers have explained the phenomenon to me for years, but for years I wasn’t paying attention.  But basically, most things around us are made up of electrically neutral atoms and molecules.  There is an equal number of protons in the nucleus and an equal number of electrons surrounding the nucleus.  Static electricity occurs when the positive and negative charges separate.  When I come in contact with another object after separation, electrons can move from me to the object, thus creating charge imbalances in both the object and me.  The electrostatic discharge occurs when the charges are once again neutralized. 

Next time some bully rubs his feet on the carpet and shocks you, you can explain to him the science behind his bullying.  I doubt he’ll want to shock you again.  He’ll probably just punch you in the face for being an annoying little nerd.