In our life time we will come across and meet thousand of different people.  They will all have different opinions of us depending on the circumstances.  Some will like us, some will dislike us, and some will be neutral.  People are very vocal about what they dislike, especially when it comes to their opinions of other people.  It gets even worse when people are involved in social circles where there is a chance of others disagreeing.  When conditions are right and nurtured there will always be gossip that takes place. 

  I have heard so many “bad” things about myself that I lost count.  At first it hurt my feelings and left me wondering what was wrong with me.  People that I cared about were being very vicious and hurtful.   Then I realized something, their feelings and thoughts weren’t my problem.  What they thought of me was actually THEIR problem and not mine.  I try to help everyone that I can as much as I can, but sometimes people just want more than what I am able to do and when I don’t do what they expect of me or what they want, they decide to talk badly. 

  After a hard struggle I decided to adapt the attitude and thought process that it’s their right to think and say whatever they want, it’s just none of my business.  It really has nothing to do with me, it is all them.  I have discovered that with this attitude I can keep my self esteem in tact and avoid further drama and other issues that might arise due to battling it out with their egos. 

  I believe in constructive criticism, but not malicious gossip.  Constructive criticism is when people try to help but not run your life.  When this approach is used there is no name calling or pointing fingers, it usually takes the form of a suggestion and is then left alone.  All the rest I consider malicious gossip. 

  When you know who you are and what you are about it won’t matter what anyone else thinks.  Although it is nice to hear good things about myself from time to time ).