If you watched the movie Mean Girls, you would have found it funny; but would you still if it happens to you in real life?
"Bullying is supposed to be a junior high thing, but everyone knows it doesn't always end when childhood does," said Jezebel. It could follow you in your adulthood, in fact, even live right next to you.
So how do you handle living with a petty, pretentious, neighbor who's making your life less than pleasing? Realty Times has these tips for you:
Kill her with kindness
As unappealing as it may sound, but a bully often times just needs another person to butter her up. Don't hesitate to flash that million dollar smile every encounter with her, or if your kids and hers go to the same school, offer to pick them up when you do. Those gestures should be worth it if they mean a harmonious relationship with the neighborhood Cruella de Vil.
Laugh it off
"Take the fun out of their bullying and let them know it doesn't affect you," said Little Rock Family. "When the mean girl or boy says something that they hope will get under our skin, shrug it off and smile. Your confidence will catch them off guard and they will notice that they are having no impact on you."
Talk it out
One of the first things you should consider is having that adult and mature talk with the bully to even out differences. Show that you are sincerely concerned with the situation and this may help them realize their doings. However, you should also prepare to be rejected.
Avoid her
It may take some of your precious time to have to adjust and reschedule your day-to-day activities to avoid the adult bully who is making your life unpleasant; but it could also be the breather that you need. "Ignore and try to avoid the big bully when possible," said Little Rock Family. "With no audience to impress, a prime bully situation may be diffused quickly."
Stand up to her
When all else fails, the last remedy is to stand up to the bully in the hopes that they take a step back from making your life miserable. Though it won't exactly make you feel better, especially if you are not used to cat fights, but it may just end the Mean Girls saga and it will be worth it.
