How to handle people who gossip about you; spread false rumors

I got a question from a viewer about what to do when someone says things about you that aren't true. We'll talk about what to do and not do in these types of situations.

Marie Dubuque is a life coach who loves to give advice on everything from dating dilemmas and tricky social situations to drama-filled friendships and romantic relationships gone south!

[poisonhemlock]

"What other people think of you is not your business.  If you start to make that business your business, you will be offended for the rest of your life."  -Deepak Chopra

[GS-stns]

Gossip borders on slander. Those people hate themselves but they think they hate you

[jacydavis]

So sad people believe them lies I hate to see people destroying peoples lives smh out of jealousy

[jannamartens]

Smart people see through gossip and anyone who cares about you don’t listen to gossip

[dougn]

There's a woman at work who constantly flirts with me but I have no interest in her. After a year of ignoring her aggressive overtures (asking personal questions about who I find attractive, coming in my office and rubbing my neck and shoulders, etc) she decided to start rumors that I'm gay.
She's one of the nastiest people I've ever met.

[imablazeuonfiya]

when someone spreads rumour about me, i dont even give them any attention. bcuz the people that are real wont believe in them. only the people who are fake will follow like mindless sheep. theres an old sayin that still remains true to this day. "rumors are started by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots". so i cud give 2 shits who believes in the false rumors about me. its not like they are smart enuff for me to even value them in the 1st place. somthing to think about. peace

[LongCOVIDAdvocator]

Always keep everything to yourself. One of the best advise. I learned it the hard way in life.

[TheDoctorBoy]

Use rumours to your advantage.
The people get highlighted.
When you finally become a successful human being, Always remember the people who stood by you.

[katiemeyer]

Noticed that alot of young people responded. Im 62 and have felt the sting of gossip all my life. Im quite and keep to myself but gossip always seems to follow me. I've lost friends, jobs and family members because of their belief in hurtful gossip. I feel sad, alone and unloved. No one wants to hear how I've been hurt... The only thing that keeps me going is my belief in Jesus and His promise of eternal life. His unconditional love for me and the touch of His finger as He wipes away my last tear before I die.

[johnT]

Avoid and ignore people who gossip don't even say hi to them.

[Canadian]

Not worrying about it too much is important, but in my experience, there are times where it is necessary to say something,  depending on the nature (nastiness) of the rumour, or because it is turning into harassment.

[MangoMilkshake]

" Genuine Caring people" don't exist in this world anymore.

[simonvance]

I live in australia and workplace bullying seems to be a STANDARD and accepted part of culture here, ESPECIALLY by 'management'. Malicious gossip has caused me a lot of stress and depression. The stupid thing is it's usually started by one person who spreads it, then before you know it a whole bunch of people have an opinion about you based on one person's opinion who's wrong to begin with! People can end up being totally ostracized within a workplace. Gossip is TOXIC POISON and a very understated type of bullying.

[AsiaCrasie]

I tried being silent many many times. Many times the gossiper will think he/she has simply won and won't hesitate to bother you a second time, as you're obviously no threat. Now I find it more effective to argue back. Some of them actually stay out of my face now.

[mariedubuque]

Star, I will do it. Remember, this person is picking on you, not because you are ugly, but because he/she has serious self esteem issues.

[eugenealto]

I'm having a hard time right now. This guy who was my friend, gossips about me almost everyday in school. He's trying to take all of my friends. And now I have less and less friends. Now I'm doing exactly what you said. Thank you so much 💗😙

[TyreeMillerKDF]

And there are a few more things remaining here. Rumors and gossipers are like weapons of mass destruction which will also dominate celebrities forever, Marie. They can't just spread false rumors about you, but also your family, too. Take important precautions.

[personincognito]

1.Act like it doesn't bother you
2. Don't react it gives them power.
3. people will forget about what he said because they will stop listening to them.
7 and a half years later I still heard lies about me and my family. Thanks for the god pan straightforward advice I will try to follow what you said more. Although I have been doing this I'm going to do it more.

[laurenspivack]

I apologize to all who I have hurt through gossip and other means

[danielmogan]

Unless someone spreading rumors with some facts to get people to believe them then starts to lie more and more but adds some truth to it in order to get everyone to believe them. I know someone who nearly got beat down bad because of rumors. It's scary to think that people and bullies are finding ways around these messages in order to fulfill their agenda but now and days they are aware of others ignoring you and if they are out there to get you...