demi's advice for dealing with rumors

demi's advice for dealing with rumors

As Secret Deodorant's "Mean Stinks" ambassador, Demi is on a mission to end bullying for good. Seventeen talked to her about being on both sides of the rumor mill and tips for living a drama-free life.

Seventeen: Do you think there are ways girls bully without actually realizing it?

Demi Lovato: Definitely. There were things that I did in middle school that probably contributed to why girls treated me so poorly. I didn't realize I was doing things that were also forms of bullying, like spreading rumors about people and gossiping. Gossip is essentially character assassination. When you spread rumors about someone, it's a way of demoralizing them.

17: How can someone keep from getting caught up in gossip?

DL: I live a pretty drama-free life. None of my friends or I gossip. We don't talk bad about anybody. I think you need to surround yourself with people who don't engage in it! Some people, especially in high school, are addicted to drama. You just need to stay away from those people. Put your energy into following your dreams and doing good!

17: Have you ever been on the recieving end of bullying?

DL: Definitely. I was bullied when I was 12 years old. I'm not saying I was totally innocent — I had my bratty days! But at the end of the day, no one deserves to be bullied. I ended up leaving public school because the bullying got so bad. I just couldn't deal with it.

17: Who do you go to and vent to when you hear a rumor about yourself?

DL: I think it's important to have a confidant, and I have a friend who I can vent to about everything. She's someone I trust, and I know she isn't going to repeat anything. She lets me vent, and then says, "OK, we're done. Let's move on."