[DarcyLynne]

I have lived right next door to my dad and his evil girlfriend's family for about a year now. All it has been for a year is drama. All they do is talk, talk, talk. About everyone. One time I had asked my dad to go to the store and get milk for the kids, and she called me back to see what kind. She forgot to hang up the phone. I heard her and her sister talking. Saying that my youngest is not allergic to milk. he is just nervous because I apparently yell at him all the time. And they feel bad for my children. I was so hurt by this...I of course went down and confronted and they blamed hearing this stuff from another person. Do you think i should forgive these people? Do you think it is right that my dad stays with her, after she badly slandered his daughter? And why do people make up stories about people that are not true? Oh and by the waythey are witholding my dog....do i have the right to go down and take it?

[GPFan]

Originally Posted by DarcyLynne

Do you think i should forgive these people?

Yes. True forgiveness would mean freeing yourself from the negative emotions you are feeling now.

I recommend reading Don Miguel Ruiz's wonderful book, The Four Agreements. I think you will enjoy it.

Originally Posted by DarcyLynne

Do you think it is right that my dad stays with her, after she badly slandered his daughter?

Why do you want to drag him into this? As adults, it is between the two of you.

Originally Posted by DarcyLynne

And why do people make up stories about people that are not true?

Drama, excitement, to feel smarter than, to feel better than, etc.

So what? It is her problem not yours.

Originally Posted by DarcyLynne

Oh and by the waythey are witholding my dog....do i have the right to go down and take it?

I would need a bit more background on this situation before offering any advice.

[Chrome Barracuda]

I think since you know she has a big mouth. just keep your distance from her and be cordial. If she's evil like you say your pops is gonna be in for a real fight, let him see the error of his choices on his own, dont come between them.

[Kenyth]

This is probably going to sound critical, but try and be objective.

You've heard the old saying. "If you insist on peeking through keyholes, don't be surprised if you don't like what you see." There's wisdom in that.

People yak and gossip about other people. Some of it is hurtful and not meant to be heard by the object of conversation. I'm guessing you've done it yourself.

Instead of fuming, I would use this earful to do some self examination. It's rare that you will ever hear such candid criticism from people. Is any of their banter well founded? If not, don't worry about it. Their opinion should not matter so much to you. If it is, you just got some valuable insight for self improvement.

One more question. If it is your dog, why do they have it? If it is your dog, you should simply take it home with you. If the dog lives there and they are caring for it, it's not really your dog.