Shhh.....?

Repeat after me.... (if you want to of course)
"What other people say about me is none of my business."
It's one of the most freeing quotes that has ever been handed my way.
Nobody has the right to judge you and we all know that the old game of Chinese Whispers is flawed, flawed, flawed. A. It's not a PC description and B. It's an even less PC pastime.
When it comes to story telling and gossip everyone is an embroiderer. And the best way to avoid toxic people and gossip is to refuse to indulge. The only way you know what is going on is if you are there, and even just two people involved in the same conversation will tell the story two different ways.
There are safe spaces to download, that's different, but passing on someones confidences is cruel and encouraging people to say mean things or sharing them yourself is like feasting on negative energy. There are more constructive things you could take part in.
Don't get downhearted if you find you are the subject of meanness, it means you are notable. You will also become last weeks newspaper at some stage when people who feast find someone else fresher and juicier to pick at.
Just be happy you are concerning yourself with filling your life with what serves you, embrace the gorgeous experiences you are choosing for you and be thankful for the grace of knowing the difference.
(c) Deb Wharfe 2012