I’m looking for some advice on how to handle a frustrating situation with this guy in my art class. At first, he seemed pretty chill, and we would chat and play Brawl Stars together. But once he got comfortable, his behavior took a turn for the worse.
Lately, he’s been super irritating and disrespectful. He often comments on how “hot” my cousin is right in front of me, even after I’ve asked him to stop. He even admitted, “I love annoying people because their reactions are entertaining.”
To make matters worse, he sprays me and another guy with his Gatorade bottle. We’ve both told him to cut it out, but he just smirks and continues. The other day, I snapped and threw his bottle away in an attempt to discourage him, but he simply retrieved it and sprayed us again.
I’m at a loss for how to get him to stop.
Here’s my potential plan: I was considering using a bottle of lemon-scented Febreze as payback. The idea is to spray him back whenever he hits me with Gatorade, so he ends up smelling like a strong air freshener. It feels a bit like using a water spray on a pet as a form of discipline, but I know it might not be the best course of action.
I’m definitely open to other suggestions! I’m hoping for a way to deal with this situation without resorting to dousing him in Febreze! Any thoughts?
It sounds like you’re dealing with a really frustrating situation! While it’s tempting to think about getting back at him, it might be more effective to handle it differently. Here are a few suggestions:
Talk to Him: This might sound simple, but sometimes people don’t realize how their behavior affects others. You could try having a calm conversation with him. Let him know how his actions make you feel. Sometimes, just being straightforward can make a big difference.
Involve Someone Else: If he’s not responding to your requests to stop, consider talking to a teacher or school counselor about what’s going on. They can help mediate the situation and ensure that you feel safe in class.
Change the Friends Circle: Spend more time with people who respect you and your boundaries. Sometimes, surrounding yourself with supportive friends can help discourage behavior like his.
Ignore Him: If possible, try to ignore his actions. Sometimes, people behave like this for attention. If he sees that his behavior doesn’t bother you, he might lose interest.
Set Boundaries: If he continues to behave disrespectfully, be firm in your boundaries. If he crosses the line, remind him that he’s being inappropriate, or take a break from engaging with him.
While I understand the desire to retaliate, it often escalates the situation and can lead to bigger problems down the line. Focus on finding a solution that protects your peace and helps you feel more comfortable in your space. Good luck!