Once again I have been dissapointed . . . :(

True friends respect your feelings and do not embarass you in public. So, if you have voiced your concerns about their behavior and they continue to gossip or make jokes at your expense, then they are not really your friends and should be treated as acquaintences, at best. If you must interact with these people in a work environment (since I noticed you referred to them as colleagues), then I would not discuss your personal life and only tell them what you don't care for anyone else to know about you. That way, they don't have any dirt on you to hurt you with. Smile, keep it professional and distance yourself emotionally from these people. You are right. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. People who need to gossip and make others feel badly about themselves are really saying that they are insecure with themselves and lack self confidence. Look for friends who support you and who you can trust. Now you know the true nature of your colleagues, you can search for people to surround yourself with that are more positive to be around. All the best, Zuri http://askzuri.blogspot.com