Yeah, mean people suck. My job has always been stressful simply because of the sheer volume of work and the deadlines. It's bearable because of the great people I work with. Then along came this woman two years ago. At first she was great: strong work ethic, funny, smart, got things done. When the manager of her department was fired and she was promoted, her true colors started showing. She's a *****. I mean nasty and aggressive, not assertive. She acts super nice to her external clients but is often horrible to many of her internal clients (colleagues at work). She says that being a ***** is an effective way to get things done. Sure, many people here have petty feuds with each other from time to time, by this woman takes it to a whole new level. She holds grudges, uses personal information against you and will fling you under the bus at every opportunity. She inspires people in other departments to be *****y right back to her. I have had to be hyper-vigilant to defend my reputation and my work since she became a manager. I have aged so much since she became a manager. I find the stress of dealing with her makes me less productive and accurate at work. And she isn't even my boss! I have to work closely with her. If she treated her external clients the same way as her internal clients, she wouldn't have a job! I don't know why she's still here. I really wish she would be fired. We need a grown-up in her position!

I'm not normally a vindictive person, but I sure am now!

I'm looking for ways to change my emotional response to her meanness in order to preserve my mental health. I'm one of those Highly Sensitive People. So, yeah, I totally relate to your grievances with mean people.