Nothing ruins a day like falling into the gossip trend. Gossip isn’t just for teenagers. Many adults like to gossip too. It also isn’t just for celebs. We live in a world where people love to talk about other people, good or bad. Gossip most often happens in places where numerous people are stuck together, like at school and at work. But the gossip often extends outside those walls, and heads home with people. How can you tell the difference between gossip and the truth?
It’s simple to figure out how to tell the gossip from the truth. You just ask! Be open and be honest. If you hear a piece of gossip and you are concerned on whether or not it is actually the truth, you should go straight to the person who is the brunt of the gossip. Tell them what you heard, let them tell their story. Don’t be a tattle tale though, it doesn’t matter who you hear gossiping, what matters is not doing it yourself! A person being gossiped about can confront the entire group that they are normally with in order to straighten out the misleading stories going around about them. It’s likely that although one person started the tale, more than one person has spread it about.
Gossip is hurtful, whether it’s the truth or not. Words hurt. Don’t participate in gossip about other people, know that it is a hurtful thing. If you overhear someone gossiping about you confront them. Be honest. Tell them if it’s true or not and tell them how it makes you feel to be gossiped about. If you think about it, gossiping can be thought of as a form of bullying. It’s hurtful, mean and just a negative way to act towards other people. Do unto others, of course!
Also, normally gossip is more exciting than the truth. So if it sounds too good to be true, or too outlandish to be true, then it’s probably just gossip. Avoid spreading it, let the person know what’s being said about them and embrace the positive, by always being truthful and staying out of childish gossip!
If you would like more information on avoiding gossip, email me at yvonne@holismcoach.org.