Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dispels Rumors & So Can You

Rumors recently surfaced that Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Cosby Show) and his girlfriend Regina King (227) were engaged to be married. Regina King put the rumors to rest when she confirmed with Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson on Monday (January 9th 2011) that there are no plans for a wedding.

Rumors about people surface all the time. The only difference between you and Regina King is your celebrity status. When rumors are spread about non-celebs, the world may not know about it, but it can be just as embarrassing and damaging to your image.

Tip # 1 On How To Deal With Rumors: Clear The Air.

Set things straight. Arrange a meeting so you can address the issue in a more formal setting with a lot more people. That is definitely more effective than just telling one person about it.

Tip # 2 On How To Deal With Rumors: Confront The Source.

Go after the person who started the rumor in the first place. Most gossip starters don’t really expect people to come after them, so you’ll have the element of surprise.

However, don’t attack that person physically or otherwise. Simply approach that person and tell them that they have it all wrong. It’s best to do this when you’re in a room full of people. That way, others will also hear about the truth and the rumor starter won’t start another one.

Tip # 3 On How To Deal With Rumors: Ignore It.

Some people simply choose to ignore the rumor spread about them. Rumors come and go. Most of the time, it dies down and a new issue takes its place. If the rumor isn’t all that bad and doesn’t really affect you in any way, perhaps it’s better to let this one slide.

Tip # 4 On How To Deal With Rumors: Tell Your Boss.

If you find yourself battling with a rumor in the workplace, it’s important to tell your superior about it.

Rumors, especially nasty ones, can take a toll on your work performance and how other people perceive you. If your boss can’t help, try telling the HR officer in your company.

Tip # 5 On How To Deal With Rumors: Don’t Encourage It.

Sometimes, rumors have a life of their own. The least you can do is to stop making the situation worse for you.

If rumors say that you live next to a dumpsite, for example, you can invite some people over to show them it isn’t true. Or if rumors say that you’re involved in an illegal trade, stop doing any activities that might sound suspicious.

Rumors are unfair. They give you hardly any chance to fight back. How you deal with rumors also says something about your character. So be careful how you handle them.