We've been having a problem recently where one of DC's "friends" has been telling lies about what she's said and done to the extent that others have stopped being her friend. We presume its to get attention as that's certainly what it generated, but goodness knows what their real motivations are.
The advice we've been giving so far is to rise above it and to stick with the people who know the truth and it will blow over, but its obviously very upsetting for her.
My concern is that if she makes a bit deal of refuting what's being said, it will keep it going longer or create a "I think she doth protest too much" feeling, as the people who have bothered to find out the truth have defended her and made her feel better, so why bother with the ones that haven't and have taken what they've been told at face value? Sadly though she's getting to the stage where its a bit too much to take.
Do I tell her to fight back, or is avoiding the 'ex friend' and rising above it the best option?
Argh. Bloody childishness!!