How do you cope with people who backbite?

As-salamu alaykum. I come from a very large South Asian family, and since I was little I’ve noticed how normal backbiting is in our circles. When relatives get together I’ll overhear the women speaking about others behind their backs, then acting friendly to them in person. I noticed it a lot as a teenager. Maybe it’s just me, but being around people who backbite really hurts. I can’t understand the kind of heart that criticises someone behind their back and then pretends to be close to them face-to-face. It feels like such a lack of empathy. I try to keep my distance from those people. I don’t even add extended family on social media because it upsets me to think about what they might say. This behaviour was common among my cousin sisters, so when I was younger I purposely kept my distance and only spoke to them at family events. I could always tell what their character was like: polite in front of others, but gossiping behind their backs. The worst was the day I heard them talking about me. They were in a room and the door was half open; I heard them discussing me just before I walked in. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised-they talked about everyone-but it still stung. As an only daughter I had hoped for a close sisterly bond with cousins, but after seeing their behaviour I realised I couldn’t trust them that way. I’ve talked to my mum about how much it hurts to be around people who backstab, and she’s given me solid Islamic advice. I try to let it go and put my trust in Allah - He hears everything - but the pain lingers. Does anyone else feel this deeply affected by backbiting? Any practical advice on coping, keeping your heart calm, and maintaining family ties without getting hurt would be really appreciated.