Brush my shoulders off

This goal has always been hard for me. When I feel like I’ve been put down or someone does or says something negative to me, I either want to go for them (verbally), or just run away and lick my wounds. This time, a friend who I really like, was saying negative things to me about my very best friend (who she doesn’t know very well). I felt like I was the one being attacked. I found myself getting very defensive. It really hurt. I didn’t (and still can’t) understand why someone would talk negatively about someone’s best friend right to their face. (whether what was said was true or not doesn’t matter) I’m very protective of my friends and family. Or should I say, I’m very protective of the friends and family of mine that are loyal to me, and who have been there for me. As I get older, those things are more a treasure to me than ever. I’d really rather someone trash me, than someone I care about. (I’m brushing off my shoulders now….)