DISLIKED FOR NO REASON

Dear Jellybean,

There's this girl at school that doesn't like me for no reason. I never talked to her in my life and she just makes fun of me or says she hates me and can't stand me. I never really did anything to anyone. I seem to have a temper and I'm afraid if she catches me on a bad day and I'll end up fighting her. That would be the last thing i would want to happen but I dont know what to do.

Dear Writer,

My first thought is, stay out of her way. Just like with dangerous drivers on the road, sometimes the safest strategy is to avoid the person who's acting like an idiot. If this girl can't stand you, do your best to keep away from her, and you'll both be happier.

Never mind analyzing why she doesn't like you. She might be jealous of you, or maybe there's no reason at all - some people are just mean or kind of crazy. What matters is that you stay safe and avoid a physical fight.

That doesn't mean not standing up for yourself. If you do your best to stay out of this girl's way, and she still comes after you with the hateful comments, get in her face - but use words, not your fists. Look her straight in the eyes and say loudly, "I don't know what your problem is, but I don't want to fight with you." Or, you could say, "I don't like you either, so don't talk to me."

The idea is to let her know you're not a pushover, but that you don't want things to escalate. If you're worried that they might, either because of her temper or yours, involve an adult - such as a teacher you trust, or a parent - to make sure you protect yourself and keep things from getting out of hand.