I'd only been at this table for 7 hands. I had raised twice PF before. The first time I c-bet on the flop and got raised, the second time a short stack donkbet all-in on me and I couldn't call. I had not tangled with this villain at all.

Full Tilt No-Limit Hold'em, $0.50 BB (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

Hero ($50)
CO ($46.50)
Button ($14.35)
SB ($50.25)
BB ($56.60)
UTG ($14.65)

Preflop: Hero is MP with J, J.
UTG calls $0.50, Hero raises to $2.25, 3 folds, BB calls $1.75, UTG folds.

Flop: ($5.25) 8, 4, 6 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $4, BB raises to $18.25, Hero...

Dumps. Even if you're ahead, this is the kind of bet that says you're going to be behind when it comes to showdown.

Use position so you don't get pushed around so much.

Make it $3 preflop.

What would UTG possibly limp with and then fold closing the action getting $5.25 : 1.75 ?