I think you're right, ER, fighting with them doesn't solve anything, as has proven in the past. It always ends up bad for me. Bad mouthing doesn't help either, it always comes back to bite you. I don't know how some people get away with it.
And I'm the first to admit, I take my share of the blame. I've done damage to myself with my alcoholism and probably other things. I think it's important to let it go, move on, and rebuild my life. That's all I can really do.
Thanks ER for your replies, they've been a real help. Same for everyone else. I really don't have anywhere else to go to about this bc everyone I know in town sides with them! And why is that? Bc they run their mouths off! WTF?