Bulletin Board Post

Bullying

Rumors About Me

<div class="ExternalClassF94B3FFEB3D446E9BF56676DA9A33E67">There are rumors being spread about me all throughout my neighborhood and it has stopped my whole street from talking to me. Only three people still talk to me. Is their anyway you may point me in the way I should be handling this? </div>

<div class="ExternalClassAF6A850C294A4B30A76E729CA80B27B7">Rumors can be so hurtful. They typically start by someone assuming something and sharing it as if it was something that they know for sure. This person often likes to be the one getting attention for sharing unbelievable or shocking falsities. Sometimes this person is jealous and feels better by making someone else look bad. This could even be a person who is intent on causing drama or controversy. Those who hear information and continue to spread it are just as guilty.We do not know what you have done already to try to rectify it. Sometimes ignoring it is best. Your true friends or even acquaintances who care about you are going to believe you, bring this to your attention so that you can talk to the source, or call out the rumor spreader which takes the fun away from those spreading the rumors. Ignoring it often puts the fire out on its own, because if no one is paying attention to it or continuing to "spread the fire" so to speak, it hits a dead end.Another idea would be to have a private conversation with the person who started it. Let them know how their words have affected you. Let them know it's not cool, and not only have they hurt your feelings but perhaps your reputation as well. Ask the person if he/she will set things straight or consider repairing any damage done. Do this in person and in private so the person does not have a chance to try to gain attention from others again by getting a laugh or appearing as the tough guy.Hold your head up high. Even though your heart may hurt a bit, if you did nothing wrong, others usually eventually realize this. Try to take the high road; help by diffusing other rumors being spread, refuse to gossip, and stand up for others. All of these tips can help not only you deal with your neighbors choosing to believe someone else without talking to you, but others who are the victims of rumors too.Find ways to build your self-esteem so other people will have less of an affect on you. Try to say positive things to yourself and find ways to remember what you're grateful for in your life. We have tips and tools to help you through this process:<a href="/Pages/self-esteem.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/self-esteem.aspx</a> Take care and let us know if you would like to talk about this further.Laura, Crisis Counselor</div>

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