Maybe it has never happened to you, but let's be real, at some point in our lives, we all have had to deal with rumors spread about us or our friends.

Now I don't want to brag (because do you know how many rumors that will spread? Too many) but I've heard rumors about myself.

Not very frequently, but sometimes. Occasionally. Rarely, to be honest.

Wow, I can hear my best friends laughing at this understatement (let me live, guys, come on).

But yes, there have been whispers, taunts, and very, very harsh things that have been said to your back, front, any direction really and now you don't know what to do.

Should I talk back, you wonder? Maybe say something to dispel the rumors? Call your parents on the phone while crying that your life is over?

It is hard to deal with people not minding their own business and sticking their noses in yours. The best way to respond to them is to not respond at all.

Because you are probably popular and they are just jealous.

I mean, I would not know. Cannot relate. Nope. Not at all.

With no further delay: what happens when a rumor is spread about you and how to deal with the aftermath.

Disclaimer: It has never, personally, happened to me so this is an approximate guide. Proceed with caution.

Further Disclaimer: The above sentence is a lie. Don't worry, I know my stuff. This is the real deal. I got you covered.

1. The 'Finding Out' Phase

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Whether it is a timely text from your BFF or just a random acquaintance who is curious about you, you usually find out that you are either dating four people at one time, or you totally said something you definitely did not say, it's a shock to find out.

I mean, don't these people have anything else to do, you rant to your friends, who are reassuring and continue to support this mess that is your life. Appreciate them, they are the only sane ones in this whole ordeal.

In the end, you have to understand that rumors are just that: rumors.

Never let them get to you, and treat each one that comes your way with a grain of salt.

An unfortunate side effect of having a rumor spread is that another one is inevitable, but don't worry about it too much because your friends are going to have your back and you will have your own back. Let them come.

Moreover, rumors (even if they might be true) are not spread to harm you. Don't take it personally. People don't plan this stuff, they are not that smart.

It is exciting to spread them because this gossip might be true or they might not be. It is the scandal and curiosity that propels gossip from person to person and the best way to deal with it is just enjoy the ride and the popularity, of course.

Rumors just mean that there are people who are insignificant to you but are very interested in knowing everything about you. It's almost as if you have a fan.

And the best thing to do with a fan? Appreciate them, smile and nod, but never get too close.

That's the same way you should deal with rumors.