As for myself, I never answer when another speaks ill of me. If attacked, I always forgive the assault. The righteous hold that forgiveness, truth, sincerity and compassion are the foremost (of all virtues).
आक्रुश्यमानो न वदामि किंचित् क्षमाम्यहं ताड्यमानश्च नित्यम्। श्रेष्ठं ह्येतद् यत्क्षमामाहुरार्याः सत्यं तथैवार्जवमानृशंस्यम्॥