Friend thinks he's hilarious, I don't, and she hurts me for him?

Alright, well I have a friend very similar to this Alex girl and I HATE it. I mean don't get me wrong, she's one of my best friends, but when it comes to impressing a boy she'll do whatever it takes, even if it means cutting me down or embarring me. Yet my friend isn't quite as out of control as yours is; she doesn't get physical or mean to that extent, so I'm curious as to why you're still friends with her? If my friend physically pushed me or tried stapling me or whatever, I'd definitely let her know that she needs to stop or the friendship's over. I don't know how you keep letting it go on and on. I understand that friends will sometimes cut down other friends to make themselves look better (especially when it involves a guy) but your friend is just being ridiculous. Real friends wouldn't be THAT mean to you in front of a guy or at all. I know it seems cliche, but have you tried talking to her about it? Cause if you talked to her one on one or in your little group of 3 or 4 friends and told her how it makes you feel and how harsh she's being, maybe she'd actually stop. And if she doesn't, then I wouldn't talk to her anymore. Anyone who's that mean to you doesn't deserve to talk to you, let alone be good friends with you. On another note, this Josh kid needs to stop also. I don't know how you would go about stopping him though, cause he seems to be that typical obnoxious kid that will never grow up. But, if he is just doing the whole "pick on you because he likes you" thing, maybe you should try being "flirty" with him. I know that seems a little odd considering how mean he is to you, but it might take him off guard. And let's be honest, most guys aren't mean to girls that appear to like them. So maybe give it a try. You obviously have nothing to lose. And sorry about your dad :( Hope this helps!