Perspective is important...

So.... there I wuz.....

Once upon a former lifetime, I was speaking with a shop owner who was looking over my job application.  "I called the former employers you listed here.  XXXXX  said you are the worst mechanic he's ever seen.  Anything to say to that?"

Meself:  "I disagree with him, but he's not here to make his case so there's not much else I can say in response".

Shop owner: "Happens I know the man pretty well.  If he says you are the worst mechanic he's ever had, then I'll hire you.  Can you start this week?"

Perspective is.. well... critical.  I learned something that day.  It's simply this:  Don't sweat it when assholes speak badly about you.  They are what they are, and good people will know them for what they are.

I remembered that when a customer I had just fired was yelling at me across the counter one day. "I'll tell everyone I know you are a thief!"

My response?  "Go ahead.  I'd appreciate it if you did"

Fired customer:  "WTF??"

Me:  "Look, if it's anyone who cares what you say, they are probably worthless lying sacks of crap just like you, and I'd rather not have them here.  If it's someone who knows what you really are, then your slander will be a welcome reference for me and I'd love to talk with them".

Him:  ((HEAD EXPLODES as he's screaming profanity)) while I dialed the local police.

Moral of these stories?  The person speaking about you says volumes more than what they are saying about you.