Shake it off, shake it off!
Ok ok, so I'm not really a fan of the song but I've been relating a lot to the lyrics lately, and I've always loved the still photos of dogs in mid-shake that show their features all distorted, so I drew this up X3

When people who don't know you and have never spoken to you start assuming things about you and spouting falsities about your character, it's so easy to lash out when your emotions are high to try and defend yourself and your decisions. But often doing so just gives these people more things to pick apart and turn against you. So you sit silently and suffer while they take your silence for guilt.
If these people came to you and actually talked to you, you would be happy to talk to them. They could hear your side and see what you're dealing with. But some people don't care; no matter what you do they are so self-centered and set in their ways, nothing you do or say could sway them.
Haters gonna hate, basically.

So it's time to just shrug them off, as they will never change their views. They will continue to slander you and make assumptions based on nothing. So shake it off, and keep going. There are plenty others who know who you are and support you. Those people are who you focus on, and lean on in troubled times :) I've always tried so hard to get everyone to like me, but I've learned that in the end you can never please everyone.

Enjoy what you love and love your friends; life is amazing and full of wondrous things <3

Now enjoy some cute dog art :P

Watercolor on Hot Press paper, 7x10"
Art © M. 'Idess' Sherwood