Just remember hateful attacks are only enjoyed by those who love the taste of hate. The rest ignore them and they have no affect. Basically, never think that such attacks are recruiting people against you. Most people, like myself, don't even pay attention to any of them.
One bit of advice though ...
"Stop responding to them, as this only keeps it going and going and going and makes you look bad in the end as well"
Most people attack others to hurt or cause further problems. When you respond, you help them to achieve their goals. If you do not respond, they feel foolish in their attacks. Especially if they are the only ones doing it.
I would also like to add, that I think the universe teaches us lessons all the time. When we do not figure out what it is trying to say, sometimes we feel like someone is kicking us when we are down. When in reality, the universe it trying to just get us moving along in life.
My thought
Dragon