I feel like there are often two routes child stars take in life; they either go the immature route, partying and living out the childhood they never got because they were working, or they get totally mature beyond their years. One example of the latter is actress and singer Selena Gomez who has a really mature take on haters, especially those bullies older than her. As outrageous as it is, adults sometimes bully kids, and Gomez has had more than her fair share of rude comments. "I get picked on by grown adults all the time," Gomez told E! Online. "It's grown-ups and I don't get it. It just baffles me."
But because she's one of the wisest 22 year olds in the industry, she has some great advice for dealing with the hate, and it's advice every young star should take — especially if they're being bullied by people way older than them who should know better, but don't.
She may only be 22, but she's had a smart head on her shoulders for years. She knew when to get herself to rehab to heal from emotional issues, she frequently gives speeches on the importance of being yourself, and now she's tackling online hatred with tips that everyone should keep in mind.
REMEMBER HOW MUCH YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED
Gomez doesn't let the negativity get her down because she's grateful she's been able to do so much in life. "I wish I could just sit [the haters] down and say, 'What were you doing at 15? What were you doing at 18? What were you doing at 21?' Because I can guarantee you it's not half of what I've done," Gomez said. And she's right. Some of the people picking on her may be doing so out of jealousy, but Gomez should stay strong in the face of that because look at how much she's accomplished in such a short time.
DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET BULLIED OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Gomez doesn't want to let the haters win by pushing her offline. "Right now I want to be that person for those girls and for my fans," she said. "It's nice to be able to connect with my fans. I'm a part of it. I'm totally involved." Even if that means seeing a few more negative tweets or Instagram comments.
DON'T LET THE HATERS BE VICTORIOUS
Gomez thinks it's very important not to let negative comments affect her. "Trust me, it's hard. I've had my moments where I've let them get to me," she revealed. "But I refuse to let them win." Good for you, girl.
I hope other young stars out there heed this advice, too, because it's very smart and really applicable. Gomez acknowledges that the hate is hard, especially when it comes from adults, but she's keeping things in perspective. In turn she's the one who is winning — not the haters.
Images: teen; selenamgomez; popcrush
