Question:
My landlord is a very nasty person, a liar, etc. We stuck it out with him simply because we had nowhere to go. Now he wants to raise the rent by another 1500 (after settling on 500).
There are some things I must tell people, but how do I make sure I have no sense of "nekama" for the rest of the tnaim I worked out? Also, what if I can't?
Answer:
Hello,
The Chofetz Chaim discusses your problem, that on the one hand you have an obligation to save the other person from entering into a bad relationship, but on the other hand, you can’t talk lashon hora. He says that we should try to work on ourselves, to try and get the hard feeling out of our heart. This is obviously not easy. I discussed this with an expert in Hilchos Lashon Hora, and he said that although you will have to say something, you should minimize the severity of what you are saying, and make sure to say only what is fact, and not any more. He said that this is considered working on yourself regarding this. It might also help you that before you talk to the person, you have some thoughts of being dan lekaf zechus, and putting yourself in his position, for a few minutes. Then you will be able to give a more impartial report.
Best wishes
Sources:
ע' באר מים חיים רכילות ס' ט' אות ג'.
