If you live in Australia, you will have noticed the past weeks news is filled with Lara Bingle.

Lara is well-known for being in a Tourism Australia advertisement and for being engaged to Australian cricket vice-captain Michael Clarke.

Whilst single, a few years ago, Lara was performing in an AFL football show with many footballers - including a well-known and married Brendan Fevola. At the time, she didn't know Brendan was married and had a brief affair with him.

During that affair, he, without Lara's permission, photographed her naked in the shower. While she asked for the photo to be destroyed, Brendan said he would and didn't. It has now circulated around the globe. Brendan claims he lost his phone so it's not his fault. Lara has been hounded by the media and was recently seen giving them the "one finger salute" which means she is peeved off.

Furthermore, Michael has cut his cricket tour of New Zealand short to be with Lara. One well-known cricket commentator has reportedly come out and said he should never be made captain of Australia because he can't focus on the game and his private life gets in the way.

Now the media are saying Michael is not happy with Lara and is thinking of breaking off their engagement.

So, why am I telling you all this?

There are some great life lessons here.

First, in today's digital world, be very careful with what you do with whom. Information and photos can go viral very quickly.

Second, never let anyone take a photo of you in a compromising situation. You will never know where it will end up and the world may see it tomorrow.

Third, if a photo is taken that you don't like, YOU destroy it or delete it. This way, you know it is gone. And check the whole camera/phone to make sure there are no others. If they refuse to do it, report it. Your reputation is at stake.

Big message: think of the consequences before you do something.

Fourth, Lara should retain her dignity and move on. The more she defends what she has done, the more exposure she gets. While she was being quiet about it, the heat was on Brendan. As soon as she raised her finger to the media in a gesture of "Up yours", the heat came back onto her. That sort of action is front page news.

This can apply to your life

Where are you the victim yet are forever defending yourself?

Your partner may have had an affair or you may have been ripped off financially. Someone may be telling lies about you.

When you know you are in the right, have peace of mind knowing that.

If I was in Lara's situation, I would have made a brief statement stating the facts of what happened and left it at that.

Problem is, when people feel they are the victim, they feel they need to defend themselves. They need to defend their "honour" and get their message across.

This then looks bad for the other person who then defends themselves. Cutting remarks are now said in the heat of the moment to get the upper hand.

Defending one's position may be good for the ego. However, it may not serve them well.

Fifth, Michael Clarke did the right thing by Lara. They have obviously spoken about the problem and she wants his support. He has put his relationship before sport. This shows great character and reinforces why he should be the next captain.

Sixth, if their relationship is on the rocks because of something that was not Lara's fault and occurred pre their current relationship, they both need to do some work to get themselves and their relationship back on track.

It is important to make yourself so emotionally strong, especially if you are in the public arena, that you can handle these events with peace of mind.

Always, always know who you are and what you represent. No-one can ever take this away from you.

As a well-known quote goes: What others think is none of your business. What you think, is.