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The Grown-Up’s Guide to Dealing With a (Grown-Up) Bully

Bullying doesn’t stop once you hit adulthood—it just happens more stealthily. Here’s how to respond when someone tries to make you feel small.

Corrie Evanoff

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

What do toxic positivity, gaslighting, negging, and the silent treatment have in common? They’re sneaky manipulation tactics—and the go-to moves for adults who prefer to go low. So: Ready to go high? Learn techniques for standing up for yourself when faced with microaggressions, workplace tormentors, grown-up mean girls, and more. Plus: How to take a deeper look at your own habits—even well-intentioned ones!—that might not be coming across the way you hope.

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4 Brilliant Ways to Respond to Someone Gaslighting You, According to a Therapist

Gaslighting can often leave us speechless with shock – but there are four assertive ways to respond.

Workplace Bullies Come in Four Distinct “Types.” Here’s How to Deal With Each of Them

Megan Carle, workplace bullying expert and author of Walk Away to Win, explains how to deal with tormentors at work.

What You’re Saying When You Give Someone the Silent Treatment

Social ostracism has been a common punishment for millennia. But freezing someone out harms both the victim and the perpetrator.

When the ‘Mean Girl’ Is a Woman: How to Deal With an Adult Bully

Experts give advice on understanding and dealing with bullies in the adult world.

How to Deal With Bullying From Your Past

The effects of being bullied can linger for decades, but it’s never too late to heal and reclaim your place in the world.

Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions at Work

Research is clear about the impact seemingly innocuous statements can have on one’s physical and mental health, especially over the course of an entire career.

Seven Ways That Banter Can Become Bullying

Banter can be fun, but it can quickly cross the line.

Toxic Positivity Is Ruining Our Workplaces. These 3 Tricks Can Help.

“Time heals all wounds,” “Your attitude is everything,” and “Be grateful for what you have learned” are all examples of toxic positivity.

What Does Negging Mean? Mental Health Experts Break It Down

This form of emotional manipulation is intense.

Supporting Loved Ones Who Are Victims of Bullying

Bullying can have lasting effects on someone’s mental health. Experts offer ways to support friends and family who are victims.

Want More? Check out the Grown-Up’s Guide to Emotional Regulation

Before you let emotions take the wheel—or attempt to bottle them up—try science-backed techniques for keeping your cool (and sanity).