I've been really struggling with letting go. I was manipulated and burned by a narcissist. This person dug their claws deep, and I foolishly let them get to me. Once I realized how toxic this person was I began to hold my ground more and stand up for myself. This person obviously hated this, and once they saw an opportunity to turn on me and manipulate many people around us into believing I'm some evil monster, they took it. They've spread horrible rumors, implied that I would sexually assault a child because I was sexually assaulted as a child and abused become abusers, they used my pain I shared in confidence as a weapon to change others opinions and impressions about me. All the while I'm shunned and unable to advocate or defend myself. I'm having a hard time just letting it go and sticking to the attitude of "they don't know me and they can believe what they want to" any advice or guidance would be appreciated. Why do I feel like need to defend myself, why do I even care I'm better off without awful people like that anywho.