How to Squelch Malicious Gossip

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Don't participate in gossiping yourself.

   This gives you more credibility.
   
   If someone's bold enough to make up gossip about you then they probably do it to others as well, which means they will eventually lose credibility.
   
   Don't say "Well she..." say something like "Those things aren't true, but I'll let you make up your own mind about so-and-so."
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   Step 2: Go to the source of the problem.

   Find out who created the malicious gossip or rumours and who spread it.
   
   Make sure you are totally calm before you do it.
   
   Ask why the person spread the rumour.
   
   While one person may appear to be the source, they aren't always.
   
   A lot of rumors start from one miscommunication that turns into a bigger problem. , Rumours are a form of social bullying and it is important that you don't let the bullying affect your life. , Even if you hate their guts don't give them the satisfaction of thinking that it affects you. , If you go out of your way to defend yourself it will seem as though you have something to hide. , Ask to stay anonymous and report the trouble that you're having with this person.
   
   If the authority that you contacted doesn't pay any attention to your report go to a higher authority and so on. , This will help you win the battle. , After you win, the spreader will probably want to be your friend.
   
   Refuse the offer, even if you don't want to, so that people won't want to mess with you. ,, Remember, be extra careful concerning whom you confide in, as not everyone keeps information to themselves; and you never know who might be hearing and looking.
   
   Try to keep a low profile.
   
   If in doubt, check with someone you trust: e.g. parents, boss, trusted friend, relative. , It can give them the morsels that you have something to hide.
   
   The best way is to be calm, honest, and concise. , They might think you have something to hide, that you are being rude, or that they can get sarcastic or angry with you and say 'It is my business'.
   
   They can then spread it to others, and might press you for information even more. , Even if you are not a confident person, you can always try to be one.
   
   Ooze confidence out of yourself, even in tricky situations.
   
   The key to being confident is knowing your assets, polishing them, and showing them off to the world, but remember to also be humble! , Even if you have had the worst day imaginable, and you really can't handle them, stick at it.
   
   Keep your cool because you know you are invincible! , Gossip, rumour spreading and lies can land someone out of a job and if serious, with the law as well (i.e. the offenses of libel and slander).
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   Step 3: Live your life so that people will know the rumour is not true.

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   Step 4: Be polite to the person who spread the rumour to show that you are the better person.

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   Step 5: Deny the rumor's truth to anyone who asks.

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   Step 6: Go to a higher authority (your principal

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   Step 7: or whatever) if you feel threatened.

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   Step 8: Make friends with some of the spreader's friends.

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   Step 9: Forgive

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    Step 10: but don't forget.

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    Step 11: Continue to live your life as if nothing ever happened.

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    Step 12: Don't tell everyone everything about your personal life and your personal business.

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    Step 13: Don't show the gossip-mongers you are angry

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    Step 14: defensive

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    Step 15: or upset.

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    Step 16: Never tell them to mind their own business.

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    Step 17: Be Confident.

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    Step 18: Be strong.

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    Step 19: If malicious gossip

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    Step 20: rumour spreading

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    Step 21: and lies become severe enough

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    Step 22: not only are they forms of bullying

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    Step 23: they can also become Human Resources issues as well.

Detailed Guide

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