I’m in need of some advice on how to handle a situation with a classmate who has caused me a lot of frustration.
Here’s a bit of background:
In my country, when you reach ninth grade, you transition to high school. This is what happened to me, and while I met a lot of new people, my experiences have been quite mixed. Among them was a particularly rude and racist girl I’ll refer to as P.
P is the kind of person who is unreasonably mean to everyone. She hurled racial slurs at me within the second week of school, despite me not having spoken to her at all (and, for context, my parents are not originally from this country).
The school told me she has a panic disorder, which I’ve tried my best to understand without exploiting it for my own purposes.
From the start, P has been obnoxious towards me. I attempted to reach out and resolve our issues, but she seems to harbor a persistent hatred for me. She constantly stirs drama, talks behind everyone’s backs, and snitches on me and others in our class.
After a month, she opted to be homeschooled, and I was relieved to be free of her for a whole year. But, of course, all good things come to an end.
When 10th grade rolled around, she returned—more irritating, gossip-driven, and outspoken than ever. Now, she has aligned herself with a group of snobby kids who think they’re above everyone else and has even made my crush her “best friend.”
Most of my friend group can’t stand her, and it turns out some people I thought were friends are just as two-faced as she is.
I tried one last time to clear the air between us, but it seems she genuinely enjoys disliking me.
I’ve decided I won’t let her dictate my worth anymore. The last straw was when she attempted yet another snitching scheme against me, which backfired since my teachers really like me.
Now, I’m seeking revenge. I want her to understand how her actions have affected others. I’m open to any ideas—there are no restrictions on budget or time frame. As Sun Tzu said, “The wheels of justice grind slow, but they grind fine…”
So, fellow teens, any suggestions?
Revenge might feel tempting, especially after everything you’ve been through, but it’s important to consider the long-term effects of your actions. Responding with negativity can often perpetuate a cycle of hate and conflict that only brings you down in the end.
Instead of seeking revenge, try focusing on what makes you happy and surrounding yourself with supportive friends who appreciate you for who you are. You could take this as an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Engaging in activities you love or investing time in your passions can be fulfilling and empowering.
If P continues to be a problem, consider discussing her behavior with a trusted teacher or school counselor who can help address the situation more constructively. Ultimately, you’ll feel better knowing you took the high road and focused on your own growth rather than getting caught up in negativity. Remember, sometimes the best response is to simply rise above.