The best defense is sometimes letting someone believe there is nothing to defend.

People probe where they sense resistance. A vigorous defence tells them there is something worth attacking and often marks the exact spot, whereas an unbothered response gives them nothing to work with and no direction to press. This is not about pretending to be indifferent, which is transparent. It is about not treating every accusation as something requiring a fortification.

When something baseless is said about you, consider a short, calm answer or none at all. Elaborate defences invite scrutiny that a shrug does not. Save your energy for the accusations that actually carry consequences.