BAD REP, AND SHE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!

Dear Jellybean,

i just moved to a boarding school. 3 days later, the most gorgeous guy i've ever seen asked me out. we went to the movies and hooked up and went pretty far. the next day we hung out again. the NEXT day, he broke it off saying he didnt want a relationship ever because he's gotten very very hurt before. he told all of our mutual friends that i gave him oral, and everyone is talking about it and im getting a bad reputation even though i am new, not knowing anyone. one jerk even drew a picture and sent it to me. i'm really mad at him for telling people. what should i do?
-New and naive

Dear New and naive,

You have a couple of options here. First, this guy is counting on your feeling so ashamed by the rumors that he's creating, that you won't deny them - or confront him about it. But, confronting him is the best thing you could possibly do. Do NOT do this as school in front of his friends, or he'll feel the need to put on a big show and repeat the rumors. Don't email or IM either - anything put in writing could easily be forwarded to all his friends, complete with mean comments, etc. I would get his phone number, and give him a call. Tell him, "I heard what you told everyone about me, and you and me both know it's not true. You better stop saying it, or my family is going to sue you for sexual harassment." Warn him that your family takes your reputation seriously, and would willingly take legal action if this continues.

You should also tell your parents what happened, and get them to complain to the school. This will not put an end to any rumors that have already started, unfortunately. But it could get this guy in trouble, at least a warning from the administration, and his parents would probably find out too. That hopefully would scare him enough that he wouldn't pick any trouble with you in the future.

Hopefully most people won't believe the rumors, and this stupid story will go away. But if things are unbearable, you might have to fight fire with fire. Do your best to make friends with the most gossipy girls who are hooked up to the social networks at your school. Confide in them, "I didn't even kiss that guy, and did you hear what he claimed about me? He's either very desperate for attention, very gay, or both." Then sit back and let the rumors spread back to him. I don't usually advise such drastic measures, but in this case, the guy deserves it.