How To Squelch Malicious Gossip

[Poor Billy]

Don't partake in gossiping yourself. This gives you more credibility. If someone's bold enough to make up gossip about you then they probably do it to others as well, which means they will eventually lose credibility. Don't say "Well she..." say something like "Those things aren't true, but I'll let you make up your own mind about so-and-so."
Go to the source of the problem and find out who created the rumour and spread it. Make sure you are totally calm before you do it. Ask why the person spread the rumour. While one person may appear to be the source, they aren't always. A lot of rumors start from one miscommunication that turns into a bigger problem.
Live your life so that people will know the rumour is not true. Rumours are a form of social bullying and it is important that you don't let the bullying affect your life.
Be polite to the person who spread the rumour to show that you are the better person. Even if you hate their guts don't give them the satisfaction of thinking that it affects you.
Deny the rumor's truth to anyone who asks. If you go out of your way to defend yourself it will seem as though you have something to hide.
Go to a higher authority (your principal, boss, or whatever) if you feel threatened. Ask to stay anonymous and report the trouble that you're having with this person. If the authority that you contacted doesn't pay any attention to your report go to a higher authority and so on.
Make friends with some of the spreader's friends. This will help you win the battle.
Forgive, but don't forget. After you win, the spreader will probably want to be your friend. Refuse the offer, even if you don't want to, so that people won't want to mess with you.
Continue to live your life as if nothing ever happened.
Don't tell everyone everything about your personal life and your personal business. Remember be extra careful who you confide in, as not everyone keeps information to themselves and plus you never know who might be hearing and looking. If in doubt check with someone you trust e.g. Parents, boss, trusted friend, relative.
Don't show the gossipmongers you are angry, defensive or upset, it can give them the morsels that you have something to hide. The best way is to be calm, honest and but concise.
NEVER tell them to mind their own business - They might think you have something to hide, you are being rude or they can get sarcastic or angry with you and say 'It is my business' and they can spread it to others and they might press you for information even more.
Force your confidence: Even if you are not a confident person, you can always pretend. Ooze confidence, even in tricky situations. The key to being confident is knowing your assets, polishing them, and showing them off to the world.
Don't break down: Even if you have had the worst day imaginable, and you really can't handle them, stick at it, keep your cool: you are invincible.
If malicious gossip, rumour spreading and lies become severe enough, not only are they forms of bullying, they can also become Human Resources issues as well and also gossip, rumour spreading and lies can land you out of a job and if serious, with the law as well.(i.e. the offenses of libel and slander)

[Terry]

You're just jealous cause your a Flankie

[Terry]

Why should I sue you ? You have nothing but stink and I don't want nooo more of that

[Terry]

A closer fit...draw your own conclusions folks

Antisocial Personality Disorder is also known as psychopathy or
sociopathy. Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the
feeling and welfare of others. As a clinical diagnosis it is usually
limited to those over age 18. It can be diagnosed in younger people
if the they commit isolated antisocial acts and do not show signs of
another mental disorder.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, beginning in adolescence
and continuing throughout adulthood. There are ten general
symptoms:

not learning from experience
no sense of responsibility
inability to form meaningful relationships
inability to control impulses
lack of moral sense
chronically antisocial behavior
no change in behavior after punishment
emotional immaturity
lack of guilt
self-centeredness

People with this disorder may exhibit criminal behavior. They may
not work. If they do work, they are frequently absent or may quit
suddenly. They do not consider other people's wishes, welfare or
rights. They can be manipulative and may lie to gain personal
pleasure or profit. They may default on loans, fail to provide child
support, or fail to care for their dependents adequately. High risk
sexual behavior and substance abuse are common. Impulsiveness,
failure to plan ahead, aggressiveness, irritability, irresponsibility,
and a reckless disregard for their own safety and the safety of
others are traits of the antisocial personality.

Socioeconomic status, gender, and genetic factors play a role.
Males are more likely to be antisocial than females. Those from
lower socioeconomic groups are more susceptible. A family history
of the disorder puts one at higher risk.

There are many theories about the cause of Antisocial Personality
Disorder including experiencing neglectful parenting as a child, low
levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and belief that
antisocial behavior is justified because of difficult circumstances.
Psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy are common
treatments. The effects of medical treatment are inconclusive.
Unfortunately, most people with Antisocial Personality Disorder
reject treatment. Therefore, recovery rates are low.

[Norwood]

Everybody thought you was done. So much for empty promises.

[Fat Terry Koutz]

I'm here.

[peace - br]

enough