“Gossip is what no one claims to like, but everybody enjoys.”
… Joseph Conrad
Have you ever had that urge? You know, that urge to tell someone what you just heard about …. ! Come on now, we have all heard things and have been told to keep it private. But, do we? I like to think most of what is told to us in the privacy of a conversation is kept confidential, but we know that is not always the case. So why do we give into the urge to gossip? Here are some reasons;
To Feel Superior. When someone feels bad about themselves, they sometimes think they’ll feel better if there were someone else who was worse off.
To Feel Included. When you are ‘in’ on the secret you’re part of the group. You want to fit in; unfortunately it’s at the cost of someone else.
You Need Attention. When you know something, no one else knows you may feel like you have leverage. So you wait for the right moment to blab for the maximum effect to get the attention you feel you need.
For Control Or Power. There will always been that person that needs to have control or power. So by initiating gossip, they feel they become that ‘go to person.’ In their minds they are needed.
Out Of Jealousy Or Revenge. If you feel like someone has done you harm you may feel it’s justified to do them harm.
Sadly, all these reasons or excuses are not on them, but you. Whatever excuses you may have, or justify for telling and sharing in gossip… stop! Personally, I have very little tolerance for gossip. I understand it’s natural to be curious about other people’s lives, but let’s remember there is a fine line between caring curiosity and destructive sharing. Which one do you choose?
