Are Women Getting Meaner?

By Patricia Hittner O'Connell

Have you noticed that some women can't be trusted? Despite an angelic exterior, they secretly plot to undermine you. Has treachery and betrayal become more of a problem? Are women getting meaner, or is it just your imagination. Read this compelling first-hand account that weaves in some supporting scientific research.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia Hittner O'Connell
• Release date: Jan 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386995272

Book preview

Are Women Getting Meaner?

By Patricia O’Connell

www.organicpalacequeen.com

Introduction

I recently had an interesting conversation with someone. She has a unique perspective, partly because she’s raised two families.

The first was her own. Now, she’s helping to raise her grandchildren.

So, even though this woman is in her 80’s, she's had to deal with competitive young Moms.

Women are meaner today, I told her, trying to explain away some of the callous behavior she’s experienced.

However, she related another incident. It happened decades ago. A woman who lived directly across the street had a party. She invited everyone in the neighborhood, except the elderly woman I’m writing about.

In fact, this neighbor even invited someone I’ll call Mrs. W, even though she hardly knew her.

Why did she do that? Mrs. W was a friend of the woman being excluded. It was a classic case of relational aggression. This is a game some women play. It’s a form of bullying and it’s meant to isolate someone and to hurt their social standing.

This was a hostile move on the part of the neighbor. The older woman still remembers it. So, because it happened so long ago, she doesn’t think meanness has increased.

But I disagree. I think civilization has deteriorated. Bad behavior is off the charts. There’s so much discord, everywhere you look.

Years ago, it didn’t seem to be that way. Mean people were the exception, not the rule.

So, yes, I definitely think women, as a group, behave worse than they used to, even though everyone may not agree.

If you’ve chosen to read this book, perhaps you’re wondering the same thing: Are women getting meaner?

Chapter 1

Adult Female Bullies - Is There Anything Worse?

Female bullies are sneaky. They engage in relational aggression. This is a devious ploy, designed to destroy you socially.

Men are much more direct. Usually, you know, right away, if a male bully doesn’t like you. In extreme cases, he may even resort to physical threats.

With women it’s different. They engage in stealth attacks. Consequently, they do a lot more damage. They exact revenge without anyone (except you) knowing what they’re up to.

This is done with precision and skill. Ironically, a female bully may even convince others that she’s the one being abused.

This misinformation may then prompt an angry mob to gang up on the real target.

So, how exactly does a female bully get away with this?

Female Bullies are Clever and Charming

Probably, back in childhood, a socially aggressive female learned to control others.

As she matured, her old tricks didn’t work. Most adults don’t like bullies. So she found a clever way to disguise her motives.

Moving into midlife, she presents a different face to the world. It’s polite and caring. She may even enter a profession where kindness counts, such as nursing.

Nearly everyone thinks she’s wonderful, except her targets. Female bullies play mind games. In my opinion, this is much more destructive than overt threats.

No One Believes the Target

An adult female bully masters the art of appearing nice. So, during battle, she wins people to her side. If the target complaints, she’s