How to handle "That Girl." (because alcohol is not going to solve all your problems...)

We all know her, "That Girl". The one who is gossiping on her cellphone in line behind you. The girl who always drinks too much and makes a scene when she goes out. She always has an opinion or some condescending piece of advice to give. She's the roommate who will complain about a messy house but will never clean it. She's the girl who goes home with a different boy every night, the one whose "dating" at least three people at any given time. She might be your friend, your sister, or your roommate. You may love her, hate her, or she may drive you crazy. You may be dying for an opportunity to call her out. Undoubtedly, there will always be some sort of alpha-female wannabee around. It's finally time to figure out how to deal with her.

Having one of "those girls" as a friend can be a double edge sword. She'll be your wing man for girls night out and then ditch you for some guy, maybe even one you like. She'll help you out as long as there is something in it for her. She'll use your alcohol, your food, your clothes, and your make-up. Everything is on her terms. You walk on eggshells to avoid incurring her wrath.

1st. Decide if this is really the kind of person you want to have in your life. If not, problem solved. Stop incorporating her into your daily life if you want to take the gradual approach. See what happens, if she changes her attitude, you can decide if you want to continue to be her friend. If not cut her out entirely. If you'd rather you can always take the direct approach and stop hanging out with her entirely.

If you do want to continue to be friends with her then take some time to talk about what is bothering you. Do it when you are both sober and thinking clearly. Use "I" instead of "you". Remember, you want to be friends there is no need to say anything mean. Figure out a plan to work things out together. You should feel comfortable telling her when she does something that bothers you when it happens. If she's not understanding or continues her misbehavior it may be time to take a break.

She can ALWAYS find something to complain about, even when the is nothing wrong. Everything must be up to her standards. She'll openly complain about you, trash talk you, and blast your private info to her friends and other roommates. She never does anything wrong, and is always blaming other people.

Unfortunately as a roommate, your stuck with the "Mean Girl" you live with. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with her all the time. The best thing to do is to be nice to her when you talk to her.

When she comes in complaining about the dishes or some messy (that may or may not be there) don't respond. Let her complain but don't say anything. If you left a mess, clean it up when you are ready to (but get it done before the next day if you want to avoid anymore problems). Don't jump up and take care of it. She's not your mother. It's likely that she's left a mess of some sort in the common area for a while at some point, but she'll never admit it. Don't get visibly upset or try to fix it instantly. She's trying to get under your skin. These girls enjoy being able to manipulate people. Don't let her bully you.

If you have other roommates see if they have complaints about her too. Don't ask them directly, you want them to come to you. The point here is to get a second opinion of your bossy roommate. This helps to know whether or not other people have to same problems with her. Listen to their opinions and use your new found knowledge to your advantage.

Know that she will try and push your buttons and that she will never admit that she is wrong. You can't tell her she's in the wrong, you have to show her. Make her realize that her behavior bothers you. Ignore her when she's being rude. Let her do all of her complaining but don't give her a response. If necessary walk away, go somewhere else for a bit. Do not use her stuff. If it's her TV, her xbox, her dining room table. Don't use it. If you really want to be able to use any of those things get your own. Don't give her any reason to complain. Don't give her any response to her complaints or condensing advice. She'll get the picture eventually. Hopefully she'll change her behavior. At the very least you'll be better able to handle her.