hello everyone, i have been lurking here for a while and would really like some feedback on a situation i have found myself in.
i work in LTC, at this particular facility for 3 years. about a year ago, i started working on medicare unit. it is a small unit and closed off from the rest of the facility, only 25 beds. everyone on the unit is pretty close friends, and we occasionally socialize outside work. my situation is that i have become good friends with one of the physicians there, and we have gone out a few times. over the last 6 months or so, other people started rumors about us having a relationship because they could see us becoming closer friends. at that time, the rumors weren't true, but now they are, and i am tired of hearing them.
i don't like my personal life being the topic of discussion at work, and my friend and i have never behaved inappropriately at work. we keep in strictly professional there. so why the gossip? i don't get special treatment from him, and he's not my boss. i have thought about ending the relationship, but why should i give up this friendship? it's not like it would end the gossip. should i just ignore everyone, and go about doing my job like i usually do? should i tell everyone to stop talking about me behind my back, since i know they are? should i switch jobs? i really don't want to do that, as i am in school and i love this job. it's not easy but i learn so much here.
ok, sorry for the long post, any advice welcome.
thanks!