First, I’d say it depends on the rumour. But in general for a sufficiently serious rumour:
Being “wrong about me” wouldn’t be the thing I’m pissed about. Anyone can assume the worst of anyone else, god knows I’ve done more than my fair share of that. But to spread a rumour goes above and beyond in level of malice. They showed that they, 1, didn’t care whether what they were saying was the truth or not, 2, didn’t care how it would affect me if they were wrong, and 3, are willing to ruin someone else’s social standing to improve their own since that’s usually why people spread rumors. Without further context to the contrary, these are systemic traits of a horrible person and strongly suggest they’ll do it again no matter how sorry they say they are.
First, I’d say it depends on the rumour. But in general for a sufficiently serious rumour:
Being “wrong about me” wouldn’t be the thing I’m pissed about. Anyone can assume the worst of anyone else, god knows I’ve done more than my fair share of that. But to spread a rumour goes above and beyond in level of malice. They showed that they, 1, didn’t care whether what they were saying was the truth or not, 2, didn’t care how it would affect me if they were wrong, and 3, are willing to ruin someone else’s social standing to improve their own since that’s usually why people spread rumors. Without further context to the contrary, these are systemic traits of a horrible person and strongly suggest they’ll do it again no matter how sorry they say they are.