Isn't it about time for forgiveness?

Everybody screws up, but some things are easy to forgive and others are not so easy.

I had a period of my life about 8 years ago that was a big whirlwind. I fell for my husband, got married, had a baby and turned 20 in less than a year. It was crazy and I was young and stupid so I can't say that I handled all the changes particularly well. I was always one of those girls that flirted with everyone, dated 3 or 4 guys at a time and never truly committed to anyone. So after having a baby and realizing that I was very seriously tied down, I began to freak out.

I tried to go back to being a wild party girl and hung out with the friends that were still living that life. I started drinking a lot, smoking and ignoring my husband as much as possible. At this time there was a guy that followed me around like a lost puppy. He was there for me at a moments notice, partied with me and essentially revolved his life around my schedule. Very tempting. So I went through that period of telling my husband we weren't going to work out and was convinced I was going to leave him and go date this other guy. Luckily, I realized what a douche I was being and managed to work things out with my husband. I changed jobs to get away from the guy and started to actually put some effort into my marriage instead of running away.

A few months later there was a big party with all of our friends and the previously mentioned guy happened to be there. I was friendly but mostly avoided him and hung out with other friends. Later on, he tried to kiss me while telling me that he had slept with one of the girls there while her husband was oblivious in the next room. I imagine it was wounded pride more than anything, but I was pissed at him and pissed at myself for ever having any interest in a guy that sleazy. So I did what any sane person does, I took a few too many shots and then jumped on top of him and punched him in the face until my knuckles started to hurt.

I'm pretty sure the guy deserved a good beating, but I can't say I was the one who should've provided it. My husband forgave me for all of my retardedness and our relationship is stronger than ever. However, I feel like those stupid choices have haunted me ever since. Some of my husbands friends that were at that party act like I'm psychotic and I'm pretty sure that some exaggerated stories have been passed along to others. Occasionally some awkward moment happens when a friend mentions it or I happen to run into the guy at a gathering, and it never seems to go well for me. I feel like we have lost friends over it, and that I'm still judged as psychotic. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I would definitely say that I've gotten some nice reminders that I have not been forgiven. So, why is it that my husband forgives me and it's been a good 7 years but his friends still hold a grudge? Is there a way to prove that I'm not who they think I am? Or should I just avoid the ones who still judge me?