Seems we have some things in common besides liking cats. I have been in this situation many times, and I know how horrible it feels.

And I know that if I have tried to do anything about it, even speaking to superiors, I'm the one who ends up paying for it because I just don't know how to protect myself either. I've never figured out how others do it.

i've lost more jobs because of situations like this.

One suggestion I could make is maybe not handling it. Only speak to her when you have to for work, and just say what is needed saying. If she starts up with you, just smile at her, if you wanted, say something like, yes, you're right, then go back to your work.

If nothing else, it would drive her crazy wondering what you were up to. And if she finds it doesn't bother you or get you upset, she might stop.

It seems, sadly, there are people in this world who are so sad that the only way they can make themselves feel better about themselves is to push others down. As much as it hurts and frustrates me when they do that, in some ways, I pity them.

Whatever problems I have, or however badly I feel about myself, at least I know I don't have to do that to another person to make myself feel better.

I think people like us know there is a better way to be, and that can give us hope. People like that will never see that, and will always live in total misery.