Anonymous: I have a guy best friend and we're really intimate/have a lot of skinship with each other. I secretly like him, but recently, he got girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I'm really happy for them, and was willing to give up for them. The problem is that people have been teasing us and saying that we would make a perfect couple, and stuff like that. I saw how much it hurt his girlfriend, because they are practically a match made in heaven, and I've been trying to stop the rumors. Usually I would just ignore it, but sometimes I would even try to avoid him in order to stop it. I thought the rumors would stop after summer break, but it's a new school year now and the lies keep coming back. I'm worried that their relationship and our friendship will be broken. .___. Any advice?

Friend: Dear Anonymous,

Rumors are nasty things spread by people who know little to nothing of the real situation. I bet you half of the people spreading them only know one thing about you and your friend – your names. A common quote I like using is this: rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots (a little harsh but I think it fits).

First off, I’d like to say I’m really proud of you Anonymous(: You’re supporting not only your guy friend, but his girlfriend as well and that’s real friendship right there. Don’t let the rumors get to you! I’m also glad to hear that you’re being the mature person and ignoring them, instead of only adding fuel to the flame. However, I think that at this rate you should just speak up and finally use your voice. Tell those gossipers that you see your friend and nothing more than a friend. Show them that you’re happy for him and his girlfriend and you aren’t anywhere near of a home wrecker as they may portray you to be. Explain to them how their rumors are hurting his girlfriend. Sometimes it’s good to stay silent and other times it’s better to use your voice to set the records straight. If people are mature, seeing as a new school year is about to begin, the rumors should die down.

In the end, all that matters is what’s going on between you & your friend and him & his girlfriend. Trust is a key element in so many situations, this being one of them. If you and your friend know that the rumors are just rumors, then there’s no need to worry about your friendship. If you both believe and trust one another, then the rumors shouldn’t even get to you guys. Simply brush them off as nothing more than gossip and move on with your lives(: If him and his girlfriend are truly meant to be and they trust one another, then there shouldn’t be a problem with them either. Really show her how you and him are just close friends. If they have faith in one another then those rumors are meaningless. However, if she starts accusing, pointing fingers, or breaking it off then it’s for the better. No girl or guy is ever worth breaking up a good friendship. Relationships come and go but friends and family stay by your side for as long as you need them(:

Hold your head up high Anonymous and don’t let those rumors define who you and your friends are(:

~(Chingu) 친구