Many years ago, a woman I was dating told me that another woman told her to be careful with me. My ex was told that I was a “predator.” I can remember the bewilderment and utter rage I felt. The woman spreading the misinformation did not have the first clue about me or my life; yet, she felt the need to attack my character. While over a decade has passed, I’ve never forgotten how it felt to have my name dragged through the mud.
A few weeks ago, I found out that another woman was bad-mouthing me to a newly acquired friend. This woman was seemingly horrified that another person had formed a connection with me. While I don’t know what was said, I can guarantee that the misinformation was based on her own insecurities and short-comings. I wonder if this woman told our mutual friend any of the positive experiences we shared. Did she share the fact that even though we were essentially strangers, I agreed to take pictures at her birthday party for free? Did she share the fact that I offered to pay her cash for the services she provided through her employer so she could personally profit? Did she share the fact that even though she blatantly disrespected me by flirting with my then girlfriend, I merely removed her as a part of my life rather than reacting?
In both of these situations, I did not do anything to justify having my character attacked. And both have left me feeling disheartened and quite frankly angry. Did tearing me down, make them feel better about themselves? What was the purpose?
To my haters, please ask yourself these two questions. What do you gain by attacking my character? What about my character makes you doubt yourself? Also, if I have behaved in a manner which warrants rumors, please have the courage and decency to confront me rather than talk behind my back.
Sharing And Surviving 