Can perceptions be changed?

Few years ago I had a Leo? Friend (July 26) who owned a fight/ MMA gym with his wife and little daughter We were close knit.

Things were cool until I realized although he showed care towards his wife he was at the gym practically all day and if he talked about his daughter or he talked about hanging with his friends golfing.

I shrugged it off until one day ppl that were MMA fighters at his gym, his friends and employee started gossiping about him and eventually over time they talked about it non stop. There were several rumors but for whatever reason they didn't want me involved. But would all tell each other about it. But I did hear rumors about him having an affair with someone in the group of gym "family" who we would haver never guessed. Something about him having a gambling problem and him having taken money the gym raised for charity. I'm not sure if any were true or that they exaggerated thing because their gossiping got so excessive I quit my MMA bout and training at the gym.

I did have a talk with him and he said only some of what they were saying is true but not all. I didn't care anymore to find out what the entire story about this drama was true but they started so much shot he lost most clients and had to sell the gym and moved away.

Anyway I remember one of the gossiped saying to me once that all it takes is one assumption about a person to forever change your perception about them.

Which makes me wonder if it's possible to change the image ppl have of you especially when you know they don't know the real you.

"Few years ago I had a Leo?"

You mean.... you don't know?

Not that leos really matter.

Image is nothing more than a book's cover.

Posted by Impulsv
For me I never take what other say at face value. I know there is always intention n some not good. I make my own decisions about a person.

Unfortunately most believed the rumors including me and we all judged him. While he said "some" were true, it didn't matter anymore I was willing to forgive but I don't respect him as much as I used to.

What do you all think one can do to change perception.

Posted by Impulsv
What can he do to change the perception of others?
In his case he lost a business he has civil ways to defend his reputation towards business. Perhaps he doesn't because rumors were correct.
It will be his problem to rebuild as actions have consequences.
Seems like it was easier to move n start afresh elsewhere.
But sometimes there is nothing one can do.
sometimes it's a reflection of them not me. If me being open about flaws n that is not enough for them nothing I can do.

When one knows oneself what everyone else thinks means nothing.

I was surprised how petty his former friends got. A lot if them knew him anywhere from 7-20 years and look how quickly they cut ties.

Yup goes to show how un compassionate they were