Going back to work only to be met by whispers behind your back is not a fun way to kick-start the new year. Office gossip, no matter how minor, can damage your reputation. After all, these things have a tendency to morph into over-the-top stories—and not always in your favor. A simple vacation with your man, for example, might easily become an extravagant outing that could have your boss wondering where you’re siphoning the funds from or if you’re doing enough work at the office.

Are you the rumormongers’ flavor of the week? Here’s how you can clear things up.

(Screencap from Veep courtesy of HBO)