You’re walking down the halls and all eyes are on you. Pretty cool, right? But slowly, you start to think the stares aren’t because of that cute new dress you have on. They’re because of something else, something out of your control. That’s when you realize: There’s gossip in the air, and it’s all about you.
It can be a small-scale nightmare when the hallways become rumour central and you’re right in the middle of it, but trust us, there’s no reason to freak (or at least totally freak). It’s tricky to tame gossip, but you can control how you react to it and therefore how quickly those nasty whispers cease. No matter how cringe-worthily true or horrifyingly false the accusations are, you can still rise above ’em—so read on.
Shut it down smartly.
If you’re the subject of a school-wide rumour and you’re getting it from every end, pick a story and stick to it. Have a short response that will shut the whole thing down ASAP whenever it comes up in conversation. If a frenemy is talking totally fictional smack, go with something as simple as: “That’s hurtful—and completely untrue.” Or, if you’re weathering the storm of a breakup nobody will stop talking about t, try: “Yes, [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Insert name here] and I broke up, and I’d appreciate a little privacy until this all blows over.” Make your response calm and succinct, and you’ll start putting rumours to rest.
Keep your head up.
Classmates whispering details about your personal life sucks. It sucks! There’s no way around that. But you need to avoid adding fuel to the fire by doing your best to rise above it. Blasting your ex-bestie in the hallway for spilling secrets or dramatically denying the rumour is just going to jump-start a new cycle of gossip. Instead of letting all those feelings out in public, hold your head high and act like it doesn’t bother you. (Even if, you know, it totally does.) It’s tough, but you’ll be yesterday’s news sooner than you think.
Confront the source.
Speak to the rumourmonger IRL in private—no text or email trails!—and don’t let emotions get in the way. Even if you’re boiling with anger inside, make sure you’re straightforward and polite. Some people love trouble and thrive off these situations, which means they want you to freak the hell out. By keeping calm, you’re actually beating the enemy at their own game. A trick? Elevate your vocab instead of slumming it with swears. If the rumour’s true, say you’re “disappointed by their lack of discretion.” If it’s made-up, denounce their “cruel behaviour.” It sounds ridiculous, but focusing on loftier language will keep you from dropping an F-bomb and letting your anger peek through. Be direct and to the point, and whatever you do, don’t threaten to get back at them. You can do better than sink to their level!
Be careful who you trust.
Gossipmongers thrive on getting insider info. Beware of people who are buddying up to you out of nowhere, since they may be trying to get deets on what’s going down. Getting used is the worst, especially when it’s very much at your own expense! Basically, don’t speak freely about what’s happening unless it’s with someone you absolutely 100% trust. Not only will talking about the situation with fewer people keep the rumours at bay, it will also ensure you don’t make things worse by confiding in a fair-weather friend who’s apt to spill even more beans.
Engage in some reputation rehab.
If the rumour in question involves other people at school, don’t give your classmates a reason to think it’s true.
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