What should I do about my bossy cousin?

Question

I don't see her that often, maybe once a month or less. She's really cool and fun to hang out with for the most part, but sometimes she can be really bossy and domineering. For example, last time we spent the night at our grandmother's house, we were making the beds for that night...she took three of the pillows, leaving me two and a really small, uncomfortable one. She never asked which ones I wanted. I know it sounds really stupid, but it gets under my skin. Another thing she'll do is decide what we're watching on TV. If she wants to watch ER or something, that's what we're going to watch. I basically have no say in it. I don't think she realizes that she walks all over me, but she does. The thing is, I don't want to bring it to her attention because I don't want to fight with her...I barely get to see her and we usually get along great. She's only a year and a half older than me, but I'm by far more mature than she is. She just acts like she's better than me sometimes...not all the time, but when she does it's annoying.

Any suggestions? I don't want to fight back in an obvious way, but maybe just find little ways to kind of show her that she's being bossy.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hide a video camera and after she does something like that show her the movie, worked for me.

Answer 2

I don't know any ways to confront an issue without asserting yourself

Answer 3

You don't have to stand up for yourself in a bad way. Just say laughingly "Don't take all the good pillows and give me the yukky ones" ha ha ha while taking one of the good ones back. When she turns on ER tell her it is your turn to choose what you watch. Maybe if you explain the situation to your Grandmother she have your back. Or whatever adult may be around. Just stick up for yourself and if she doesn't take it well than go find something else to do.

Answer 4

You always  let her get away with the take charge attitude so she will continue to do so.  Next time you sleep at grandmas let her know how is going to be with sounding bossy.  tell her if she want three pillows than you get to choose what TV your going to watch.   If she is unwilling to do that than sleep on the couch and next times she asks tell her no and explain why

Answer 5

Is she an only child?

She may be a little spoiled.

The best way to go about it, is to talk to her about it. Approach her, gently. Don't let it be like a slap in the face. Don't make her sit there and ponder "What have I done?"  Assure her, say its okay, and let her know that you're not comfortable with it.

Answer 6

just ignore her stupid attitude...some ppl have a habit of getting bossy, better to let them remain as they r and move on & enjoy  

Answer 7

Your cousin is acting in this way, because she has senseless parents or she do not have parents in this world.

This is not your responsibility. It is the responsibility of her parents.

I wish to say, that it is better to ignore her and mind your own business.

Instead of wasting your valuable time thinking about her, try to make your life better.