Back-Stabbing Competetive People
Fall Hardest

Dear Harlan,

I'm a freshman in college, and I'm having roommate problems. Last semester, my roommate and I were in the same class and helped each other on homework and tests. I began to notice that her grades were always better than mine. She always took my homework into her own room to correct her answers, and never bothered to tell me what answers I got wrong. When I asked her point-blank if I got any wrong answers, she would lie and tell me that my homework was perfect. Second semester, she moaned about how horribly she was doing, but she'd get 100 percent on all her quizzes, while I usually got 75 percent. I didn't know how to explain her vindictive competitiveness, until I realized: (1) We are both pre-med (2) She mentioned last semester that she's worried because only so many people from one school get into the same med school. Now, I found out that we are going to be in the same class again next year. I'm consumed with anger when I feel that injustice is occurring, and I want to avoid these feelings of rage and frustration. My schedule is inflexible, and I can't switch sections. Talking to her is out of the question. Help!

Pestered Roommate

Dear Pestered,

Some people in life are insecure, backstabbing pieces of feces who will step on anyone to elevate themselves (I wish we had room for illustrations). Why waste your time and energy on rage? These people eventually fall - and fall hard. When you don't have anyone to catch you, there's no other way to fall. Be happy that there are enough people in the world that you can avoid having her in yours.


© Harlan Cohen 2004-2006- Distributed by King Features Syndicate

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