Gettin' the last laugh: dissed? Dumped? Ratted on? Who can blame you for wanting revenge? But there is a better way....

The new girl at the swim club you thought was totally cool dissed you for a spot on the A-list. Your BF dumped you just before Labor Day fireworks for the junior who wears way-too-much makeup. Your little sister sold you out to the 'rents for going to the beach instead of summer math camp. Grrr!

Don't get mad; get even. No, not like a brain-twisted freak whose life is consumed by a quest for vengeance. Yes, it's OK (probably even healthy) to fantasize about getting back at somebody when you've been bashed. But in real life, you can come out on top by turning an icky situation into sweet success....

THE ICKY SITCH Ew, that creepy social-climber at the pool. You were trying to be nice and make her feel welcome when you asked her to join you and your buds for a game of volleyball on Monday. By Friday, she's sunning with the Alpha-bikini set, trashing your buds and saying something about your "weird toes." What?

Fantasy revenge Counter-diss. You could "accidentally" let it slip about how she's crushing on the geeky assistant swim coach or her secret fondness for playing Pretty Pretty Princess.

Reality check While you might love the notion of the swimming pool set laughing her right out of chaise-lounge central, spilling her secrets will certainly backfire. She's playing politics, pure and simple, and it should be totally obvious to anyone with half a brain that she's a gossip and can't be trusted. You don't really want that same rep, do you?

So just roll your eyeballs, and move on. Let Miss Thing tread water in the shallow end of the pool--you're too busy having fun with your real friends to get caught up in the cattiness. Adopt a less-is more strategy: The less you say, the more you gain. Gain what, you ask? Total respect when you prove that petty gossip is not what you're about.

THE ICKY SITCH Your BF broke up with you--just like that!--for the chance to hang with a Britney wanna-be during the big Labor Day weekend festivities.

Fantasy revenge Maybe you'll create some fireworks of your own by snagging that totally-hot-but-not-too-bright guy from your brother's skateboard crew.

Reality check Hmm ... tempting. But come on--do you really want your actions to be driven by getting back at an ex-BF? If you truly like the little mojo-cookie friend of your brother and want to spend the weekend discussing ollies and kickflips, fine. But if you're doing it in hope of getting your ex's attention it's--yep--pathetic and desperate.

Instead, decompress a potentially awkward run-in with the ex and his new girl by hanging out with a bunch of good friends who will remind you that you deserve someone who appreciates you. Then, wizen you casually pass the old BF and his raccoon-eyed chickster, act indifferent. Give off an "I couldn't care less" vibe. Then, scope out a primo spot under the stars and feel proud for never needing a guy to make your holiday weekend rock.

THE ICKY SITCH You cut out on a math-tutoring sesh to take in some crush-spotting at the beach with your BFF. Your sister sees you and rats you out to the 'rents for it. Your butt is grounded and the rest of your summer is a waste.

Fantasy revenge Counter-sabotage. You could notify the parental units next time your sister tries to cover up for skipping choir practice. Or how about taking in the seams of her low-riders just enough to make her think she's packed on some poundage?

Reality check You and the sis have to live under the same roof, so waging a back-and-forth battle isn't the best game plan. Next thing you know your undie drawer is filled with garlic, and then you're slathering baby oil on her bedroom door-knob and.... well, you get the picture.

Here's a better idea: kindness, slapped on thick. You can't go anywhere--you're grounded. So as much as you want to snub your sib, swallow it and initiate some sisterly bonding time. Invite her to join you for a DVD-viewing marathon. See if she wants to work a puzzle or make popsicles or do papaya facials. You guys might actually figure out you like each other. And maybe next time around, she'll think twice before blowing the whistle on you.