Charley Gallay/Getty Images  Seventeen: Do you think there are
ways girls bully without actually realizing it?  Demi Lovato:
Definitely. There were things that I did in middle school that
probably contributed to why girls treated me so poorly. I didn't
realize I was doing things that were also forms of bullying,
like spreading rumors about people and gossiping. Gossip is
essentially character assassination. When you spread rumors
about someone, it's a way of demoralizing them.  17: How can
someone keep from getting caught up in gossip?  DL: I live a
pretty drama-free life. None of my friends or I gossip. We don't
talk bad about anybody. I think you need to surround yourself
with people who don't engage in it! Some people, especially in
high school, are addicted to drama. You just need to stay away
from those people. Put your energy into following your dreams
and doing good!  17: Have you ever been on the recieving end of
bullying?  DL: Definitely. I was bullied when I was 12 years
old. I'm not saying I was to