I can hear my heartbeat in my ears. I have to force myself to breath. My jaws are clenched so tight my head hurts. My hands are shaking; indeed my whole body is slightly quaking. I AM ANGRY. Beyond angry. Why? Because someone I loved and trusted thinks it's acceptable to discuss what he thinks he knows about my private life with anyone who will listen. A confrontation is imminent. Am I overreacting? Quite possibly. I'll cool down eventually. But certain behavior really rubs my fur the wrong way, and this is a prime example. I don't care if people talk about me: I've come to expect it because of who I am and the choices I make. Let them talk. But let them also get their facts straight. If you don't know the facts, just ask me. Everyone who knows me knows I'm practically an open book, with very few hidden pages. I suppose I need to close the book and keep it in a safe place. DO NOT go broadcasting random information about me like it's the Gospel truth, especially information that casts aspersions on my character. (For example, telling people I'm dating a married man. Hypothetically.)

     I hate to end an 11-year friendship over idle gossip. But the relationship is already complicated and this is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I doubt the offender will read this, so I sent him a text at 4am notifying him of  my ire. I am a very forgiving person, sometimes too much so. If he is smart, he will offer me an explanation and an apology ASAP and we can wipe the slate clean. If not...I will end up forgiving him anyway, but the friendship will be over. This will be awkward since we work together, but so be it.  I can live with it if he can. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to do some deep breathing and maybe find something inanimate to punch that won't break my hand...