Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How to deal with people that are bad mouthing me?

230 Answers
Last Updated: 06/11/2022 at 4:44am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Lisa Meighan, MSc Psychology

Counselor

🌈 Welcome to 7 Cups :) I work using an eclectic style of psychotherapy and we work according to your goals, preferences and needs using evidence-based practices.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2019 7:45pm
Many times it can be best to just ignore it. At least you have realized the type of people you are dealing with and this, in and of itself can actually be a gift in disguise. Isn't it great that now you actually know, don't have to continue the relationship, don't have to invest more time into them, and of course wouldn't be sharing your private, personal moments with them? If this is someone or people that can affect your livelihood (i.e work life, work reputation) or affecting you volunteer work, perhaps this may be the time to bring it to the attention of someone in a position of authority. It's best to not retaliate. Two wrongs do not a make a right. Let someone in a position of authority deal with it and they will then know that perhaps these people are sabotaging others as well. At the end of the day, karma knows everyone's address. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord. Hand it over another higher power. He will deal with them better than you ever could. And an additional biblical reference....the traps they set for me, they will fall into themselves.
SoulEmbrace8
July 29th, 2016 9:31pm
People will talk anyway. I believe that what others say about us is really none of our business. There are three images for every person 1-How he/she sees him/herself 2-How others see him/her 3-How she/he really is !
Anonymous
August 1st, 2018 8:12am
Just ignore them and go straight with your way. Keep doing your works, don't mind them. If they are so rude to you, talk with them directly and offer to stop doing that with you!
avanef
November 17th, 2016 9:42pm
Don't listen to what they have to say to or about you. They eventually will turn their act around when someone with a higher power or authority says something to them and they will stop.
hopedreamlove
June 26th, 2020 1:06am
Stand your ground, but in a respectful, calm manner. Before doing anything, take some time to think and to be mindful. Hearing someone badmouth you can be really hurtful, and it would be understandable if you are feeling angry and hurt, however these emotions can lead us to do things we might regret in the future. For example, although at the moment it might seem like an idea to confront the person, or start bad mouthing them, these things can be more harmful than helpful. Starting a bigger conflict, or making it worse might not be the best idea. Instead, after you have calmed down at least a little, maybe privately talk to the person. Let them know how heading what they said made you feel, and ask them to stop. There is unfortunately no to guarantee that they will, and we cannot control other peoples actions, however, there is a higher chance that the person might stop if you are respectful about it, and not rude. Sometimes people who bad mouth each other or bully others are people who have gone through a lot themselves, and they cope by making other feel pain similar to how they did. That in no means makes what they are doing right, but getting angry or mean to them might just backfire and make things so much worse. My point is, speak your mind and stand up for yourself, but I’m a respectful way.
AngelOliviaHelper
May 30th, 2018 6:24pm
Totally ignore them and tell yourself they're jealous and haters. Dont act back and make it worse, be the bigger person!
JennofBoston
April 12th, 2020 7:11pm
It's important to realize that we have no control over what others do and say. What we do have control of however, is how we choose to react to them and the things they do. Some times the best reaction, is no reaction at all. People who do hurtful things are often looking for a response. They want to engage you, because this validates their actions in some way. So you may want to, instead of concentrating on the bad mouthing... consider working on how it makes you feel. You don't need to feel defeated, insecure, or injured by their actions. It actually says a lot more about them, than it does about you. I know that this is easier said than done, but there are some ways to increase your confidence and strengthen your defenses. One way that I know of from personal use is, exercises to enhance your self esteem. There are many sites online that offer free help with this. You could just google "exercises for better self esteem" or just about anything like that. You should also visit and try out the "Growth Path" here on 7 cups. It is designed to help you grow into a better version of yourself. It's very helpful. Another way to reduce any anxiety you are feeling about this, is to do "guided meditations". I often do 5 minute ones that I find on YouTube. again, they are a great tool. The general idea is, if you build yourself up in an organic and meaningful way, then the unkind things that people do will not be as effective in bothering you...and therefore, those people won't be as interested in doing them.
Elvalight
May 3rd, 2017 6:06am
Nobody can make you feel any way if you don't want them to. If someone tries to make you feel small, you don't have to let them. They are simply trying to make themselves feel better about themselves, feeding their ever so hungry ego. They are not any more special than you are. You have every right to ignore every thing they say and shut down that thought process before it becomes an insecurity.
MsWhite
June 30th, 2016 10:33am
Somebody said, "Ignorance is bliss". This holds true for your situation. Ignore them, they will eventually stop. Actions speak louder than words. Prove that you are NOT what they say you are, through your actions. Eventually, your actions will outweigh their bad-mouthing.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2016 12:48pm
ignore them because once they realize they are ignored they will stop because they are not getting the satisfaction they are seeking
SympatheticPrune2001
October 27th, 2016 10:21am
Just ignore them. More often than not they are jealous, or feel the need to be mean to manage their own feelings or problems.
razorback30
February 2nd, 2018 7:47pm
I've been through this situation before. I've been to public places, and even had friends talk about me. Its sad, but you know what. I don't care what they say. Their opinion doesn't matter. In our mexican culture the saying goes, "If you have nothing to hide, then don't worry about it. Besides what they say has nothing to say about you, it says a lot about them. 1. Don't Worry 2. Keep your head up 3. Kill em' with kindness- (then go about your business) Have a great day! :)
swooned
June 1st, 2019 11:06am
It is said that people and situations have one thing in common- they are both powerless without your reaction. In my opinion, the best way to deal with people bad mouthing you is to not deal with them at all. You deserve to focus your time and energy on something productive, something that will get you somewhere. There will always be people who are going to talk. It's best to ignore them and focus on yourself. This question reminded me of a saying - Don't get revenge, get even. Don't get even, get better. So I suggest that you don't waste your time and energy on them. Focus on you and your goals.
GracefulWitness04
July 20th, 2017 8:46am
there is two things that you can do in this situation. 1) ignore it, turn your back and show them it doesn't bother you. Or 2) you stand up for yourself...confront the demons in your life thats hurting you and putting you down, show them that they can't easily just bad mouth you and get away with it. show them there are consequences
Kaleidoscope86
August 10th, 2017 3:09am
Always remember: you can't control other peoples' behavior, but you can control your interpretation of it and your reaction to it. If it would make you feel better to confront the person, do so in a way that is direct, constructive and respectful. If you don't feel the need to confront the person, carry on knowing that their actions have nothing to do with you.
Anonymous
October 13th, 2019 6:04pm
Ignore them and be the bigger person. If someone is bullying they normally have personal problems of their own, and have no outlet. Why let it bother you when you know the truth, or agree with whatever they say and it will make them stop since they will no longer be bothering you. Also politely ask them if they are okay and see if somethings bothering them, causing them to bad mouth . Ask kindly and see if they will stop. Try telling them they are bothering you.
Ruby2001
November 1st, 2019 1:21pm
Well, to be honest I have the same problem but I dealt with it. Now your answer... Let them say whatever they are saying. Don't let them see your reaction. I know it hurts when people just keep on saying shit about you. But love yourself. You know how important you are. You know your strength and your weakness. You know what you deserve.I know people keep on saying " don't listen to them or pay attention to them" and I know that's an impossible thing. So, In short, love yourself and smile. Because you deserve it. You deserve happiness. Good luck. 💛
Anonymous
June 28th, 2018 7:52pm
It is best to ignore them and continue being you. We all make mistakes, we all improve from time to time! Just be yourself and try not to give it back to them. Remain friendly, even if it isnt the easiest decision.
Anonymous
June 16th, 2018 4:36pm
I choose to ignore the negatives in my life. I know that what others say does not define who I am or what I do.
Anonymous
June 8th, 2018 8:14pm
People bad mouthing you can be a horrible situation and make your life very difficult. One way is to simply ignore it and not start any drama. Some people will talk bad about you to get a reaction. You can also address the person who is bad mouthing. Be direct but try working towards a solution. If all fails, you can always go to a trusted adult WHICH is perfectly okay and does not make you a "snitch".
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2018 11:45pm
It doesn’t feel good to be bad mouthed by other people. Sometimes it downright sucks because what they are bad mouthing about you can feel mean. You do have options, but it’s important to understand that you know your situation best and some options will be more relevant for you than others. Sometimes ignoring the situation is best, sometimes laughing it off with lighthearted self deprecating humor is better, sometimes it feels okay to privately talk to the person who is bad mouthing you. Those are by no means an inclusive list of options. Regardless of what is best for you, remember that it’s always helpful to have someone who can listen to this problem.
SeekApotheosis50
May 3rd, 2018 4:01pm
People who say unkind words about others reveal more about themselves. The best thing you can do is trust people to make their owl judgments
TheBabyLion
March 13th, 2018 8:42am
You can't really "control" how people speak, can you? Their words more often than not speak about their inner state rather about you. I'd choose one of 3 ways in a situation like this: 1) Leave a conversation; 2) Attempt to read how the person is really feeling/what's bothering or triggering a person; 3) Respond with kindness and appreciation as to demonstrate a leadership in setting the atmosphere that everyone may enjoy being in.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 1:29am
You should 1. turn the other cheek and tell a trusted adult 2.If you cant turn the other cheek result to no physical violence if possible if it comes to that and hopefully it wont seek a counselor and tell them how you are feeling and why you took on those actions because where im from we follow G.O.L.D. G- grow in mind, body, and spirit. O- own your actions. L- lead by example. D- dream BIG!!! So dont let those people that bad mouth you bother you ignore them and follow G.O.L.D it will help you improve and move on past the sight of the bad mouthers.
Joye74
March 19th, 2019 2:55am
This is the toughest one I find. Sometimes, I don't find a single person in my favor. In those situation, the best thing I do is to ignore the person who is doing so. Sometimes, when people bad mouth what ever goes around comes around. Also, they themselves create bad impression on others by criticizing. They are weak and insecure. Criticism is their weapon. They can't live without it. It is worth staying strong. Somewhere I heard that if you are in criticisms that means your doing something awesome. Remember all the landmark discovery happened in the mist of criticisms.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2017 8:13am
Try and be nice to them and ignore any harsh words or behaviour thrown your way. Ignore their behaviour and don't retaliate to it.
savlilley
December 5th, 2017 10:48pm
Ignore them or talk to them ask them why try and make friends be nice to them they want attention so they harass you for it instead give them the attention of being friends
Anonymous
December 6th, 2017 6:50pm
Tell a trusted adult. Consult a therapist or close friend. Bullying is a serious matter and can do serious harm in the long run, so don't keep it to yourself. Also, don't add fuel to the fire by bullying back. That will only make them push back harder. Instead, kill them with kindness so that they feel guilty about what they've done.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 9:42pm
Tell them straight that they need to come to you if they have something to say, or tell someone that could help you stop them together
MissLisa
August 21st, 2019 4:02pm
Normally this says much more about the person bad mouthing you than it does about you What is missing in her life that forces her to bad mouth someone to bring them down a peg? Speak to that person directly. Away from a crowd so that they get no external attention. Ask them out right why they are bad mouthing you. Explain to them how it is making you feel/how it is effecting you. Then ask if they could refrain from doing so in future. Speaking to the person directly normally has a better success rate than brushing it off and wishing it would go away.