Gossip:

n.
1. Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature.
2. A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.
3. Trivial, chatty talk or writing.


Why do we gossip?

What good does it do?

Two people get together to talk about a third and decide to pass judgements on their character based on incomplete or faulty information. The person being talked about not only does not get an opportunity to clear up misconceptions but often has these talks hidden from their view. This only causes confusion and hurt feelings when they don't understand why they are being spoken to so critically.

What possible good can come from gossip?

This cracks me up :-)

Maybe they are out of mayo.

That would be an interesting sandwich.

I definitely don't see any good come out of it. Gossip destructs its victim lest the talk would come from the victim him/herself. I mean, most people talk of themselves if it something good about them. If it is something bad, then most likely it will be talked about by gossip mongers

Gossup........a topic for people who have little to no life

I agree. Gossip can cause more harm than it's worth.

I plan to live a long life minding my own business

Well, so far everyone is in agreement that gossip can only hurt.

So, why do we do it?

Why do we tear done someone that is not in the room then pretend we never said it?

I'm thinking it is mostly due to jealousy.

Any other thoughts?

some feel better about themselves when seeing others in misery! gotta avoid those types

Jealousy is one reason, I think we all have gossiped about people and I mean all of us at one time or another, I have done it before, and it is a bad thing, I have leaned more towards minding my own business, gossip is for people that are not happy with themselves and want to stir up and make other peoples lives miserable, that is wrong, just my thoughts.

Empty hands, evil minds

humans make too many assumptions

I like that ^^^

That's what I noticed from the gossipmongers here in my country, Suzanne. Those who are lazy and do not make themselves busy with productive things usually start the fires.

Our saying is "idle hands are the devils workshop"

Same principle

Seems to be an epidemic

It's a pity but all true So frustrating to know some people waste time for it when there are lots of good things to do in life that could be beneficial to everybody.


oh well.. I guess that's part of human nature

It is one of my pet peeves. You will even see people resort to gossip on public forums looking for "backup" when they feel unsure of themselves or alone.

I practice the philosophy of "if I can't say it to their face then I won't say it to others" It works for the most part. Some people are so mistrusting though that they won't believe it.

what makes gossip bad is the intent behind it....
conversing about others isn't what makes it dangerous
it's the hate behind the words

If I 'hate' someone, i pretty much don't bring them up at all...


haters suck!

In my experience I have found the best way to deal with gossip is to stop talking about it. Ignore it. It will go away when something new comes along which is always very soon. Quit complaining and just let it die already.