Just find it harder now...

Most of us are like that. Even the smallest of the disagreements trigger a bout of bad mouthing. Life has become hectic and that leaves us with no time to understand what has been said and usually we come up with a defensive reaction of trying to put down other people. all this is instant, both said and forgotten. Actually it means nothing. We do it because we have to bicker, as it is a social ritual. Read no meaning into it as it is inane. Just be normal.

Yeah, it makes you feel unsafe with people like this, but you can't let it bring you down. I can't explain these people, but I the best thing to do is to go on with the conversation without worrying too much. Otherwise, you might become too paranoid...

People who bad mouth others to you are very likely to do the same about you. I'd just drift away from those types of conversations and discourage them, if you are not a will listener pretty soon they won't include you in their damaging conversations.

Ug, those people are all about power and manipulation. Probably comes from low-self esteem and confidence, but that's no excuse. Unfortunately there are alot of people out there like this. You can't, however, let that stop you from making new friends. Because you just never know how they'll turn out. Not everyone back stabs, and if you treat everyone like you think they will back stab, you will miss out.