If you can't talk to the backstabber in person, approach him discreetly via text or email. Inform him politely that you would want to discuss recent events. Set up a private meeting. Describe the situation honestly without making the other person feel intimidated. If necessary, get help from a friend who will not betray your trust. Backstabbers usually lack integrity and honesty. So it is hard for them to be trusted. However, once they realize that you are not going to blackmail them or try to harm them, they will usually agree to a compromise. For example, they may agree to leave you alone if you promise not to tell their secret. Backstabbing can be used as a way to get something done by someone who lacks authority. For example, she might backstab her boss to get a promotion. Or he might backstab his colleagues to win arguments or support his position. This type of behavior is often seen in employees who want to advance their career but don't want to work with people they know will report their actions to others. Backstabbing can also be used as a way to avoid taking responsibility for one's actions. For example, she might backstab her partner by leaving him when there is trouble in the relationship so that she does not have to deal with any consequences of her actions. Finally, backstabbing can be used as a way to gain attention or sympathy from others.