I don't know how to help you grow a "thicker" skin because I've never had that problem caring about what people I have no respect for say or think about me. Maybe become more confident or know your own worth a little better. Maybe. Personally, I've never given a F what the flying monkeys have thought of me because I didn't think much of them. It's only ever bothered me if someone I truly respected got a bad impression of me and that's been very rare.
What I can say is that I know from personal experience that your real friends and people of integrity won't believe the BS. They will already see you for who you really are. And for everyone else they can just F off. Know who your tribe are and keep it tight.
It never ceases to amaze me when flying monkeys actually try to talk shit about people I respect. It makes THEM look small and petty. It doesn't change my opinion one bit of those they are trying to bad mouth because I see right through it.
I spent 21 years in the Army. I've buried friends and have several combat tours under my belt. What I'm saying is that perspective can also give you thicker skin because you see how petty and trivial the gossip is from flying monkeys. Obviously, you don't want to be putting your friends in body bags, but maybe step back from the situations like this and put it in perspective. If you, or a loved one, were diagnosed with cancer today, would you really give a shit about gossip by people you don't even respect or care about?
Hope that helps.
[This message edited by StillLivin at 5:33 AM, Saturday, July 2nd]
