Lucas Beaumont
Good friends are a real gift. Unfortunately, sometimes someone you consider a friend ends up backstabbing you. Not only have you been betrayed by a friend, but sometimes your reputation can be damaged as well. It can leave you feeling hurt and overwhelmed, but there are things you can do that will help you rectify the situation. First, remember it is not your fault. Don’t try to justify what your ex-friend did by thinking you did something to push him or her into backstabbing you.
You have to understand that for some reason, such as jealousy or selfishness, your friend made the choice to betray you. It is your right to ask for an explanation to find closure to the situation, but be sure to be civil and calm. You have every right to feel angry, sad, and even a little self pity, but you don’t need to let your anger get the best of you.
Once you feel you have gotten the explanation you needed and can move one, it is best to ignore the backstabber in order to deny him or her the attention he or she craves. Oftentimes, people spread rumors or make up lies to watch other people’s reactions. Don’t let your backstabber have that satisfaction. Instead, now is the time to work on restoring your reputation that might have been damaged by the lies that the backstabber told about you. The backstabber is no longer worth your time. In a genuine and heartfelt way, explain to people that your friend was lying, and when possible, show them proof.
For instance, if the backstabber claimed you did not pay back a debt, show your friends and family a receipt, bank or credit card statement showing that you did make the necessary payment. Be careful to not go too far. You want to prove you can be trusted, but you don’t want to discredit the backstabber. That would take you to his or her level.
If the backstabbing was serious enough and caused you enough problems, such as financial or business, you may need to file a lawsuit for slander or malicious intent. Be sure to consult a lawyer first. The lawyer will know what level of damage had to be done for a lawsuit to be feasible.
Ultimately, though, you need to move on with your life. Do not carry the burden of a betrayal by a backstabber around for the rest of your life. Learn to forgive the backstabber. You do not have to be friends, but you have to let the resentment and anger go for your own sake. Consider it a learning experience and move on. In a way you can be thankful to the backstabber. He or she showed you who your real friends are.
