The sharp silence when you walk in, the urgent staff email you were “accidentally” left off, and the snapchats of the after-work drinks you were never invited to suddenly feels eerily familiar to your dark days of high school, right?
The technical term for mean girl behavior is relational aggression – a specific type of bullying that’s more about manipulation and control than physical intimidation. This type of bullying is designed to harm the social relationships and status of an individual. And the motivation for this behavior can be anything from jealousy to the desire for popularity and power.
Sadly the long-term damage can be significant. The most common effects are low self-worth, mistrust of other women, and a reluctance to be outside of your comfort zone. And when co-workers and friends remain silent bystanders, it only magnifies the feelings of helplessness, insecurity, and low self-esteem. Women should always support each other, period!
So as a victim, how to deal? Here are a few strategies to stop mean girls from having a negative impact on your life:
Be sure to pay close attention to your feelings and emotions when dealing with an adult bully. If your mental or physical health is suffering as a result of this, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Love and respect yourself enough so that you can refuse anything that you should no longer allow in your life.
Remember, ultimately, what you allow is what will continue.
Source: verywellfamily.com, raemona.com, bodyandsoul.com.au, linkedin.com, aarp.org, scientificamerica.com, coveteur.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.