Blah Blah Blah – Dealing with Gossip

How do you feel about gossip? I know that I personally hate it. I don’t like hearing it nor do I participate in spreading it. I believe people should mind their own business and worry about themselves…not with what’s going on in Joe Schmoe’s life. Gossip…it’s immature and it’s hurtful to others.

When I talk to others about this topic I always start it off with…How would you feel if you found out that Friend B was talking about you to Friend C and Person A? Would you like it? Even if what they’re saying is true…would you like your private business being told all over the place? If not true…at the minimum it’s hurtful to you and/or your family.

One thing my grandmother always told me was this….you treat people how you want to be treated. If you don’t like being gossiped about…you certainly shouldn’t be spreading gossip yourself. Keep what you know to yourself. If it bothers you that much you need to talk to the person who’s involved with it, not spreading the stuff around town. 

Over the years I’ve learned how hurtful gossip can be. I’ve been hurt by it, so I don’t do it. If a friend contacts me and wants to gossip about Person A…I change the subject. If that doesn’t get it to stop then I come right out and tell them nicely but firmly that I’m not interested in gossip. There are other things we can talk about but gossiping about someone else isn’t one of them.