If your friends and family are bringing you down about your M, I would avoid talking about it with them. I know it makes it difficult, but if you're truly wanting to DB, you might need to get most of your support here.
Also, regarding your W, good for you for not digging for more info about the "rumors" that she mentioned. PLEASE, try to ignore it, and not find out what the "rumors" are. It will just drive you crazy, and if she finds out you're asking about her, she'll think you're being controlling, pursuing, etc. I think you handled that "rumor" comment perfectly.
