[guccimamma]

i would mention her unstable behavior the the head of your department, i would state that she is obviously in some sort of distress....and that she physically harmed you.

she should be sent home immediately, and "shamed" for her behavior.

[k2sealer]

You have two options:
1. Avoid her.
2. Say something. For example, "I know you are stressed out and don't like it here, but that doesn't give you the right to be rude and disrespectful of everyone you come in contact with."

A little over 10 years ago I visited a male friend who had moved from the Seattle area to Florida in order to attend school. He was also stressed out and showed it by being condescending and sarcastic. Not to me, but to every person he came in contact with. I finally got sick of witnessing this so I opted for option #2 and said almost those exact words. There was silence in the car for about 5 minutes and then he admitted that he had been behaving like a jerk and the rest of my visit went very pleasantly.

[GirlFriday]

She's that miserable because she's there for a summer? She can't suck it up for 3 months? She's ungrateful of her incredible opportunity, and she sounds mentally unstable.

[moi et mes sacs]

You are one of the world too nice people, I say that becasue you didnt smack her back. Now I think I would stop being so nice. I would ignore her unless she says hello in which case a one word reply is sufficient. Then I would go explore this lovely place you are staying and hopefully meet some lovely new friends who will appreciate your friendship and leave you with good memories of the place.

[jillybean307]

Thanks for the advice all.

I called my mom after I wrote about it here, and she gave me the same advice of ignoring her and trying to spend the least amount of time around her as possible. I'm going to ask the program director to put me in a different class when we go to Moscow next week so that I won't have to be around her as much.

I really love St. Petersburg, it's one of my favorite cities on the planet, and I'm tired of hearing how awful it is, how dirty it is, it's starting to depress me and that attitude is not what I want to be around.

[cheburashka]

Originally Posted by jillybean307

Thanks for the advice all.

I called my mom after I wrote about it here, and she gave me the same advice of ignoring her and trying to spend the least amount of time around her as possible. I'm going to ask the program director to put me in a different class when we go to Moscow next week so that I won't have to be around her as much.

I really love St. Petersburg, it's one of my favorite cities on the planet, and I'm tired of hearing how awful it is, how dirty it is, it's starting to depress me and that attitude is not what I want to be around.

I can't believe she pushed you, especially after everything you have done for her ! I am very outraged by her rude completely unacceptable behavior ! Also I don't understand : why does she hate being in Saint Petersburg so much ? I would understand if she was uncomfortable living in the middle of Siberia, but SP ? Common, there is sooooo much to do there. The city is known as the second Paris and is full of history and beautiful architecture. What a freaken weirdo !


I really am glad that you enjoy studying there. As a Russian it makes me feel happy that there are Americans like you that truly appreciate Russian culture. I read some of your blogging and you seem like a very sweet person. Your friend on the other hand seems neurotic and close-minded.

[jillybean307]

Originally Posted by cheburashka

I can't believe she pushed you, especially after everything you have done for her ! I am very outraged by her rude completely unacceptable behavior ! Also I don't understand : why does she hate being in Saint Petersburg so much ? I would understand if she was uncomfortable living in the middle of Siberia, but SP ? Common, there is sooooo much to do there. The city is known as the second Paris and is full of history and beautiful architecture. What a freaken weirdo !


I really am glad that you enjoy studying there. As a Russian it makes me feel happy that there are Americans like you that truly appreciate Russian culture. I read some of your blogging and you seem like a very sweet person. Your friend on the other hand seems neurotic and close-minded.

I loooooove it here! This is my second time here, and it's even better than the first. I'm looking forward to my 5 weeks in Moscow. We leave Spb for Moscow on Saturday-sad to leave this city but excited to get to know Moscow better.

You pretty much put my feelings into words. There's basically nothing you can't get in St. Pete's if you want it--especially as an American with cash. I don't know what there is to dislike so intensely. Plus, I think Russians in general have gotten very friendly in the past five years to Americans. People chat with me on the metro, a woman at the ballet came up to me and told me she thought my hair was beautiful--LOVE this place!

I saw her at school today, and I told her calmly that I didn't want to speak to her right now. I'm one of those people that needs time to calm down when something's made me angry, and she's now insisting that she never touched me, despite the fact that another classmate saw her do it. Whatever happened to apologizing?

Cheburashka- I have a Russian question for you. Can you suggest some contemporary Russian books to read? I pretty much have read the classics, but I don't know what modern books are popular now. I bought Chernaya Babochka because it was on the display table at Dom Knigi. I'd love more suggestions.

[tokyogirl]

She is unbelievable -- rude, unpleasant, immature and a liar to boot.

[keodi]

Originally Posted by heartnaspade

I think you need to do your best to avoid her. She's obviously too wrapped up in feeling sorry for herself to have any consideration for those who are trying to help her, so let her wallow in her feelings. Don't let her have any impact on the experience you're enjoying!

I was about to say the same thing..very good advice.

[cheburashka]

Originally Posted by jillybean307

I loooooove it here! This is my second time here, and it's even better than the first. I'm looking forward to my 5 weeks in Moscow. We leave Spb for Moscow on Saturday-sad to leave this city but excited to get to know Moscow better.

You pretty much put my feelings into words. There's basically nothing you can't get in St. Pete's if you want it--especially as an American with cash. I don't know what there is to dislike so intensely. Plus, I think Russians in general have gotten very friendly in the past five years to Americans. People chat with me on the metro, a woman at the ballet came up to me and told me she thought my hair was beautiful--LOVE this place!

I saw her at school today, and I told her calmly that I didn't want to speak to her right now. I'm one of those people that needs time to calm down when something's made me angry, and she's now insisting that she never touched me, despite the fact that another classmate saw her do it. Whatever happened to apologizing?

Cheburashka- I have a Russian question for you. Can you suggest some contemporary Russian books to read? I pretty much have read the classics, but I don't know what modern books are popular now. I bought Chernaya Babochka because it was on the display table at Dom Knigi. I'd love more suggestions.

No problem, I don't read much contemporary books but have you read Master and Margarita by Bulgakov ? It's been considered one of the greatest books ever written : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita

Also try something by Akunin, I've heard his books are great and might be more of what you are looking for.

It's sad I'm Russian but I mostly read French literature.

[Pursegrrl]

Originally Posted by jillybean307

I loooooove it here! This is my second time here, and it's even better than the first. I'm looking forward to my 5 weeks in Moscow. We leave Spb for Moscow on Saturday-sad to leave this city but excited to get to know Moscow better.

You pretty much put my feelings into words. There's basically nothing you can't get in St. Pete's if you want it--especially as an American with cash. I don't know what there is to dislike so intensely. Plus, I think Russians in general have gotten very friendly in the past five years to Americans. People chat with me on the metro, a woman at the ballet came up to me and told me she thought my hair was beautiful--LOVE this place!

I saw her at school today, and I told her calmly that I didn't want to speak to her right now. I'm one of those people that needs time to calm down when something's made me angry, and she's now insisting that she never touched me, despite the fact that another classmate saw her do it. Whatever happened to apologizing?

Cheburashka- I have a Russian question for you. Can you suggest some contemporary Russian books to read? I pretty much have read the classics, but I don't know what modern books are popular now. I bought Chernaya Babochka because it was on the display table at Dom Knigi. I'd love more suggestions.

Thanks for the updates, JB! She's depressed and angry...and needs to go home sooner than later. Very immature given she doesn't own up to her actions. Pathetic.

OMG...St. Petersburg...love it!!! I have to admit I haven't been there since it was still called Leningrad but I was thrilled my whole 5 days there and remember the glow in the middle of the night in summer as it wouldn't quite get completely dark...and all the bridges would open to let the ships pass through - does that still happen?

XXXOO PGal

[PetiteChaton]

Basically.. shes a brat..and has no friends but you.. so what should you do? Stop being her friend.
If she treats you with disrespect, you dont need her around..simply avoid her and if you must communicate with her, be very very formal... eventually she'll realize that she has no choice and that she really has to be nice to you..and if she doesnt, then you didnt lose out on anything really.

[jillybean307]

Originally Posted by cheburashka

No problem, I don't read much contemporary books but have you read Master and Margarita by Bulgakov ? It's been considered one of the greatest books ever written : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita

Also try something by Akunin, I've heard his books are great and might be more of what you are looking for.

It's sad I'm Russian but I mostly read French literature.

Oh GOSH! The Master & Margarita is the entire reason I'm a PhD in Russian literature. It's pretty much my obsession. I've read it about 50 times, and I have about 6 different editions. The last time I was here I bought a special numbered & illustrated edition, and this time I just picked up another illustrated one (black & white, the last one was color).

I've been in the play, I've seen it at the Taganka Theater, I've meet the actor who played Woland in it-LOL!

I've read some Akunin, I'll probably pick up a few more of his that haven't been published in the U.S. yet.

[LV Luvr]

Are you all rooming together? Do you need to hang around her other than in class?

[VPT]

Where are you originally from, OP? I get it that it's their way of life - pushing and shoving is no big deal, part of their culture.
But of course if she keeps pushing you for no reason, then i suppose bark at her to stop and be firm.