Tuffy Luv Says: Show Those Jerks Who’s Boss

You got a question? Tuffy’s got an answer! To have your question featured (and answered!) in the Tuffster’s weekly column, email her at TuffyLuv@collegecandy.com!

By Sara

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m a high school junior who’s been having a bit of a problem. I sit in class with 5 guys in my chemistry class who constantly tease me. I’m the only girl on the left side of the room. Sometimes I don’t say anything, and they just start making fun of me. I get the fact that high school boys are immature, and that girls tend to be more mature at the age of 16.  Sometimes I try to defend myself, but no one can hear it over the 5 guys that are laughing in my face. All of my friends tell me they like me, but I don’t trust their judgment. Are they really making fun of me, or are they just doing it to grab my attention? Do I seem like someone vulnerable to them as a person to make fun of? How do I make them see me in a different light?

Thanks, Tuffy!

-Private Prep Girl

Dear Private Prep Girl,

First of all, honey, don’t waste your time and energy on these losers. They’re giving you a hard time? You give them the finger.

Okay, on second thought, you’re still in high school, so don’t give them the finger. So, okay. Let’s back this shoop up.

Is there any way you can move to the other side of the room where there are more girls? Seems to Tuffo that’s the first step. You are almost definitely not going to be able to get these guys to leave you alone, so your best course of action is just to get away from them.

(I know, I know. Readers, I too would like to tell her to beat those punks at their own game and, like, freestyle them into humiliation or something, but the fact is, this is a group of high school guys picking on a girl because she’s the only girl within earshot. I don’t think she’s gonna be able to wow them into stopping. Now back to your regularly scheduled question.)

As for why they’re doing it–well, yeah, I think your friends are right. You’re a girl. They think you’re hot. It’s usually that simple. Honey, do yourself a favor and learn now what many chicas don’t learn till college: Just by being female, you are automatically two things: (1) objectified and often treated unfairly, and (2) absolutely powerful. Men can’t control themselves around women. That doesn’t change (unfortunately).

So here’s what I think you should do: Speak to your teacher privately and ask to be moved. Until that happens (or, if for some reason it doesn’t), laugh along with them and make jokes right back at them. NEVER EVER act upset, because that’s exactly how they’re exacting power from you. They’re all paying attention to YOU, girl! You have the power to be absolutely charming and funnier than them, and, even though it won’t stop it, at least you’ll stay cool and in control.

However, none of this applies if what they’re saying is at all threatening or sexual. In that case, you march that cute little ass of yours right to the teacher after class and report it right away.

They suck and that’s not your fault.

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv