Certainly not! There are varying degrees of Wackos. For this reason, some Wackos are tolerable in small doses while other Wackos are so off-the-deep-end that they have to be avoided at all costs. My book, Winning Against the Wackos in Your Life, thoroughly explains the Four Levels of Wackos.

It is especially difficult when your Wacko is one bound to you by blood. You must decide whether the Wacko’s level of dysfunction is mild enough for you to remain in his or her life. Let us say for example that you have a terribly mean-spirited brother who frequently damages your emotions. If you find after each encounter that you remain anxious and distressed days later, it may be best to estrange yourself from him. Many people have a hard time realizing that you don’t have to maintain a relationship with a person just because you are related. Remember that you have tried your best, and more importantly, that people don’t change. You deserve a peaceful, guilt-free existence. For your own health and happiness, cut ties as politely as you can and stick to your decision.

The only real solution is to remove yourself from the equation. Wackos are like parasites. They have nothing to feed on when their host disappears. When you have finally had enough, face your Wacko and say calmly, “We are not a good fit. I think it’s best if we don’t spend time together anymore.” Your Wacko will probably pick a fight because she secretly (or not so secretly) gets a thrill from controlling you and wants to continue doing so. At this point you may even consider pointing out to the Wacko that she must be exhausted from dealing with such a difficult person as yourself and should be happy to part ways!

Teens and Wackos are a highly combustible combination because teens are already so emotionally charged with hormones. Luckily, though, no one has to be defenseless in the presence of a bullying teen-Wacko if they know what to do. Maintaining self-control is the secret to dealing with a hateful young person. Wackos try to get the best of their victims any way they can. But teens can fight back with a few curt words.

If a Wacko says, “Nobody likes you. That’s why you don’t have any friends,” your teen should look him in the eye and say, “Huh,” as if pondering a dull thought. If he doesn’t stop there and continues with something like, “Look at you! You act like you think you’re Ivana Trump!” continue to stare and say, “Really?” An incredulous, “Wow!” will also make him hush, because the Wacko will see that your teen simply is not going to get upset. Eventually he will go find a new victim.

You don’t have to cause a huge scene to get rid of your Wacko. If you prefer, send her a letter or email to state your feelings. Be brief and don’t get emotional in your writing. Simply state that your relationship no longer fulfills either one of you and that you wish her the best. If the Wacko writes back, you may not even want to read the reply. After all, it will just be fodder for another ruined day. Don’t give anyone that kind of satisfaction.