For some backstory throughout uni and in friend groups I met many people that would smile in your face then talk shit behind your back. I never do anything expecting the same back but it’s interesting when people feel insecure about your accomplishments and try to drag you down or point at all your little mistakes.

Personally whenever someone tries to shit talk someone else to me I shut it down or say that I don’t care. Many people don’t catch the nuances and the subtleties of the things they do or say and those that do would rather avoid confrontation or actively engage in it as well.

The thing about Uni was I was registered for the same classes and labs as some of these people so they were unavoidable. Confronting these people would make you seem like the aggressor in an otherwise “calm setting”.

I used to work labor jobs And rarely had to deal with people shit talking, it was more so frustration about someone’s job performance or them slacking off. Now that I’m done uni and start my job soon I understand that it probably gets much worse in an office setting or corporate environment.

I’m a fairly confrontational person but How do I deal with toxic environments and workplaces in a way that wouldn’t jeopardize my job or reputation.

Also how do you not let it get to you that random coworkers and acquaintances as well as the people you trust could be the ones talking shit behind your back.

I think that’s something I been struggling with recently. I never did before but my uni experiences as well as betrayal by close friends definitely cemented that in my mind and that has also made me wary about the people that I trust and the things that I tell them.