Q&A for How to Be Mean and Intimidating when Necessary

Look right through them, shoulders back. Put on a passive expression. Chances are they will look away first. If the don't, look past them, then look back to where you were without flinching. If it feels right, raise your eyebrows slightly as if to question them. Remain in control.

Size does not matter! Many short people can still be intimidating TRUST me. Just hold your head high and make sure people don't see you as small, cute and weak.

Say "Wow, aren't you so observant?". Yes this is a hard one to do when people say hurtful things, but it has a nice shock factor. You can't let your voice waver at all if you choose this option. Or, ask them why they think that and what makes them think they are better than you. Chances are they will flounder and won't be able to come up with a good response, making them look foolish. You can also compliment them offhandedly and get a similar effect. Such as, "well you are so pretty, but your personality dresses you up in ugly". The best way to handle these kinds of people is to make them think you don't care what they think. Even better when you actually do stop caring and focus on more important things in life.

It can help, sure. There isn't anything wrong with being soft, though. It probably just means you've become a better, more considerate person. Though you should certainly be able to stand up for yourself if anyone threatens or insults you.

You have to have confidence. Always keep in mind that your thoughts and opinions are important and you will have no trouble speaking up.

Actions speak louder than words. Just be whoever you are now.

Ignore them. Everyone has done something wrong -- in fact, most of us do something wrong every day. People who are aware of they're own faults and weaknesses won't judge you.

Get good at that thing. If you want to be intimidating, then you'll stop at nothing.

Comebacks are the best way to make someone feel bad without being too mean.

Yes, it can be a way of standing up for yourself.

Laugh.

If you are an adult, at a certain point walk away. Protect your own interests and reveal as little as possible. I had a mother like this who used information against me. Eventually, I spent as little time as possible with her and told her nothing. Make your own life. Eventually my mom realized I didn't trust her. If you are a child obey your parents but find other adults to confide in.

All you have to do is say it in a nice way, but be bold about it so they do not think you are playing.

You could start by questioning her about how she feels about your behavior, etc. After she has explained and you have understood, tell her what's bothering you and how you want her to think more about her words and actions as she is making you uncomfortable and/or sad. Keep in mind your mother most likely cares about you and probably wants what is best for you. Try and listen to her complaints if they are reasonable and adjust your own behavior if you can.

Say something along the lines of, “What's your problem?” If they refuse to answer you, or they continue saying negative things, just walk away and keep your distance from them.

Do not let your guard down. Keep your cool and hold your head up high. If they say something mean, laugh. If they are obviously trying to intimidate you, look them straight in the eyes and don't look away until they do.

It doesn't matter. Don't get all caught up in who is popular and who isn't. The best thing to do is just give someone an icy stare or ignore them completely. When they see that they can't get to you, they'll probably stop whatever they're doing.

Yes, unless that the authority is trying to hurt you or someone else who is innocent.

If you suspect you have scared someone or really hurt their feelings, you should apologize. Tell them you were only trying to stand up for yourself and you meant to harm.

If you are not "pretty" then it doesn't really matter, but you need to have a good evil stare to put people back in their place when they act dismissively toward you.

If you don't think she understood that you were ending the friendship, talk to her and be direct, but polite. Say something like, "Listen, I just don't think this friendship is working out, so I'm ending it. I wish you the best, but please give me some space." If you're worried about how she's going to react, ask an adult for help.

If they use drugs and are mean to people, it means that they have much bigger troubles in life than you can imagine. Often it is a cry for help. You don't see his/her home life - some people are very good at hiding if they experience abuse at home, so please don't make that person's life more miserable than it already is. Perhaps seek help for him/her. Drugs are often a way of escaping severe emotional pain.

Being rude and mean for no reason in life will just make you look like a childish idiot; it will also more than likely lead to people cutting you out of their lives because of your negativity.

Tell someone you can trust, like a school counselor, a family member you trust outside of the immediate home environment or a teacher. If it gets worse and/or the person does nothing about your issues, then call the CPA (Child Protection Agency).

Before you do anything, remember that you're trying to be mean, not a downright jerk. Base your actions on that. When someone pays you a compliment or does something for you, instead of a smile while saying "Thank you", say it with smirk, paired by a slight nod and try not to make your eyes look too happy.

Remind yourself that mean comments come from mean-spirited people. Act confident. Walk around like you either don't know about or don't care about the comments. The comments are projections of the mean people's own insecurities; rise above these and be strong. Remind yourself that what they think about you is their problem, not yours.

If you love her, and you are close, you can probably secretly communicate online, so as not to harm your social status. Honestly though, people don’t really care if your friend is poor or rich nowadays. You can also gradually cut ties while trying to set her up with someone/something else of interest.