1. Forgiveness is the option that will get you the furthest and bring you the most peace.

2. Communication (combined with 1) is the option that will bring about the most understanding and make the problem shift for you.

3. Before either of the above will work effectively you have to resume your ownership of the situation to whatever degree you have decided it was "done to" you.

4. Getting even will get you nowhere.

5. It is totally understandable that you night have deep-seated protest, outrage and upset and a sense of great injustice. But you have to live with your own actions, which will be a lot harder if you yield tot he invitation to do harm.

6. If communication proves to be impossible because of extreme defensiveness, justification, rationalization, or hostility from your old friend X, then send her blessings of well-being an dhappiness and get on with your life.

In the final analysis, continually creating and then living up to your own best standards of right conduct will be your sole proof against slander.

A