Author: Swati Mohandas
Someone rightly quoted, ‘People will question all the good things they hear about you, but believe all the bad without a second thought – unknown
Personally, I come across as an outspoken individual and more often I carry a ‘I care a damn’ attitude especially when others speak ill/ lies or gossip about me behind my back. More or less I try to abide by the phrase, ‘Choose your battles wisely’.
However, recently I had a bitter experience that reminded me what I already knew, that badmouthing is a venom that destroys relationships.
‘Bad-mouthing’ according to Cambridge dictionary states, ‘to say bad things about someone to other people.’
Bad-mouthing, spreading lies and rumours is an old social issue. People mostly end up discussing someone who is not present at the moment to speak or lay their side of the story.
The reason for these people to stoop low are many such as sufficient time on hands with nothing valuable to do, sadistic delight in pulling someone down without giving them any opportunity at justification, insecurity and so on.
Honestly, I am not the kind of person who would waste my time and energy thinking about what others are saying about me behind my back. I am happily occupied with my routine to call upfront and explain my side of the story. If you genuinely want to know my side please take the effort of asking me directly, would be my message to all. Believing half-truths only questions your maturity and shows your thirst for unnecessary drama.
People who speaks negatively usually twist the tale, modify the way it occurred and replay it so convincingly that they begin to believe their own nonsense. I don’t see any point in arguing instead, I simply move forward, without them.
We come across people who no matter what are not good for our well-being and we must let them go. We need to be self-assured, own our own quirks and the aspects that make us glow.
You don’t need anyone’s approval but remember if someone is working hard to slander your reputation and you can’t take it anymore then it is high time to show the malicious person where he/she belongs.
If badmouthing is getting on your nerves and you want to put the truth out there as doing so will make you feel better then go for it. Anyone and everyone should be aware of the boundary you set. Forgiveness is for those who are emotionally strong enough.
For me, moving forward; away from a toxic person is a smart enough decision.
I can decide not to be reduced by them in the long run by not allowing their opinions to vilify my heart and mind. I am learning to be able to decide whom to walk beside into tomorrow and whom to leave behind today.
About the Author:
I am a Philosophy graduate and a certified computer professional from Mumbai and based in Pune with my family from the last 2 decades. Literature always fancied me. I pen down short stories, blogs, poems and has forayed into freelance content writing. I even published an award-winning book of collected poems titled ‘Myriad Whispers’ which is available on Amazon. When not writing, I enjoy listening to music, exploring the outdoors and scanning local bookstores.