5. The Art of Deconstructing a Mean Girl

When you're stuck in a meeting with a human embodiment of a bad mood, it's time to bring out the big guns: the art of deconstructing a mean girl.

This is an advanced technique that requires precision, patience, and possibly a few well-placed eye-rolls.

First, you must identify the mean girl's modus operandi: are they a passive-aggressive whisperer, a sassy texter, or a full-on, in-your-face screamer?

Once you've pinpointed her MO, you can begin to deconstruct her defenses, much like a ninja dismantling a particularly tricky trap.

Here are a few strategies to help you deconstruct the mean girl:

• Agree to see things from her perspective, while secretly planning her demise.
• Use the art of active listening, but only to gather intel on her next move.
• Employ the ancient art of subtle, backhanded compliments.
• Call her out on her BS, but only after you've carefully crafted a witty remark that will leave her speechless and bewildered.

And when all else fails, just remember: mean girls are like onions, they make you cry, but you can always chop them up and serve them with a side of tears.

For more advanced techniques, visit our subpage on Advanced Deconstruction Techniques.