I started dating a woman I met in the program. It's a small community and we weren't trying to make a show of it, so only trusted friends knew. As the months went on, another woman, who we know to be gossip hungry, started to get the idea we were together. So one day after a meeting, that I wasn't at, she asked my partner if we were dating. She denied it, and this woman went on to say, "okay, well just so you know, he's emotionally psycho. I'm just trying to look out for my friends." This woman and my partner are not particularly friends, and our interactions have been limited. She does stay to the center of our small community. It's really disheartening to know that somebody well-connected is spreading unfounded warnings about me. My partner doesn't want me to confront her, because she doesn't want any part in this woman's rumours and wrath. I want to respect that, but I also don't feel good and brushing it off knowing that this woman is actively trying to interject falseboods when she picks up on my fledging relations. I know it's not my business what others think of me, but when the thoughts become targeting and slander it feels like my business.
What is a program way of considering this situation and how do y'all suggest resolution?