DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was out for drinks with a friend who works in the same industry as I do. I was telling her about my transition out of my last job and how difficult is was because my boss didn't want me to leave. I was sharing that my former boss made me an outrageous offer to stay and that I politely declined, saying that it was time for me to move on.
My friend looked puzzled and shocked. After a moment or two, she leaned in and said that she was told by my former boss that I had been let go for "strategic reasons."
I have a wonderful new job that I love, and I'm generally liked and respected by my colleagues and peers, so I'm not terribly worried that this rumor will be believed, but I am pretty angry that she would go around spreading it. My husband thinks I should say something to her because she is trying to ruin my reputation. What should I do?
GENTLE READER: Are you quite sure this remark wasn't made out of exasperation at your saying how valued you are?
In any case, that is the way Miss Manners recommends your telling the story to your former co-workers, with whom you seem to keep in touch. A story ridiculing oneself gets around more than a complaint.