How to Fight a Rumor

If you've ever had a rumor spread about you, you know just how painful, uncomfortable and humiliating it can be. But rumors don't have to destroy your life, ruin your friendships and make you feel alone. Learning how to handle rumors when they come into your life can save you plenty of time spent dealing with the heartache they leave in their wake. Take the power back from the rumor by confronting it head-on and proclaiming your freedom from the rumor's horrible oppression.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Evaluate the truth of the rumor. Before you begin the battle to squash the assault on your good name, take a moment to see if there's any truth to what's been said. If you really did have too much to drink and dance on a table at the company Christmas party there's no sense in denying the truth.

2. Confront the rumor. If there's a rumor about you buzzing through your social circle it probably won't be long before hushed whispers and snide glances are tossed your way. Take the fun from the rumor mill by confronting and confirming the rumor's existence. If there's a rumor about you that people are talking about, calmly approach them and say, "I've heard that people are saying (insert random rumor here)."

3. Give an impassioned rebuttal. Now that you've let the cat out of the bag, it's time for your version of what happened to be heard. Tell your friends the truth and give as many facts as possible to back up your version of events.

4. Explain the origin. A lot of the time rumors are started when a real action or statement is misconstrued. If you can help explain how the rumor might have come to be it will be easier for your friends to believe your rebuttal.

5. Confront the person that started the rumor. If you're able to figure out where the rumor originated speak with the person, and give them the benefit of the doubt. They may honestly believe this rumor about you and that's your chance to set the record straight right at the source. Give your rebuttal and explanation and kiss the rumor goodbye!

Tips & Warnings

• The thing that makes a rumor scary and dangerous is that it is shrouded in secrecy. When you confront the rumors about you, you're taking power away from the rumor and the gossips and are giving it back to yourself.
• Don't be tempted to take the no comment, silent approach. Though it's usually easier to just ignore a rumor, rumors thrive on uncertainty.

[jazzzzzzz]

on 8/4/2009 P.S. This is comming from someone who took the silent approach because she didn't know what it was about in the first place...

I know rumours thrive on uncertainty, but since I was uncertain of it myself, didn't know how to aproach the matter. I did try to arrange a meeting with the person to confront her, but she declined and only insulted me further over the matter.

Some people behave differently around me now, but I don't why. I'm not sure how to raise that issue either, without sounding acusatory.

[jazzzzzzz]

on 8/4/2009 What do you do if someone accuses you of spreading rumours and that itself is the rumour? Please help! :s