Dealing with a former friend who has turned against you and started bad-mouthing you can be emotionally challenging. Here are some suggestions on how to handle this situation:
Stay calm and composed: It's natural to feel hurt, angry, or upset about the situation, but try your best to remain composed. Reacting emotionally may escalate the situation further.
Avoid retaliating: Resist the urge to bad-mouth them in return. Responding with negativity will likely only fuel the conflict and damage your reputation further.
Talk privately (if appropriate): If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, consider talking to your former friend privately about the issue. Express your feelings calmly and honestly, and try to understand their perspective as well.
Seek support from other friends: Reach out to your other friends or loved ones for support and to talk about your feelings. Surrounding yourself with positive and understanding people can help you through this difficult time.
Focus on self-improvement: Use this situation as an opportunity for personal growth. Focus on your own well-being, hobbies, and interests, and work on becoming the best version of yourself.
Ignore the rumors: While it can be challenging, try to ignore the rumors and negative comments. Remember that those who truly know you and value your friendship will see through the lies.
Set boundaries: If the person continues to bad-mouth you or harass you, set clear boundaries. If it's online, you may need to block or restrict their access to your social media accounts.
Document the behavior (if necessary): If their actions become harmful or threatening, consider keeping a record of the incidents, such as screenshots or messages, in case you need evidence in the future.
Seek professional help if needed: If the situation becomes overwhelming and impacts your emotional well-being, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor.
Give it time: In some cases, the person may eventually move on and stop bad-mouthing you. As time passes, their negative behavior may fade away.
Remember, you cannot control someone else's actions, but you can control how you respond to them. Focus on surrounding yourself with positive influences and being the best version of yourself. Over time, the situation is likely to lose its impact, and you'll be better equipped to move forward.