Don't Gossip

Dear Future Me,
The definition of gossip is casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

School, work, and social groups are like one massive game of telephone. The rumor originates, and is passed on from person to person where it evolves slowly but surely. Eventually the beginning statement and ending statement have nothing to do with each other.

People gossip because their own lives are lacking life.  In other words, their life isn't going according to plan, they are bored, seeking attention, and/or they are jealous.

If you find yourself in a situation where others are gossiping do the following:
1. Gently steer the conversation away from the original subject. Often, steering away from the original subject will promote the death of gossip. An easy conversation flipper is to ask the question 'How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck?' As awful as it sounds, this will roll all the conversations attention to the infamous tongue twister's answer.
2. Say positive things about the subject. Once kind words are spoken, it declares your loyalty to the subject. A loyal friend repeats gossip 90% of the time back to the unsub, therefor all negative conversation with cease.
3. Point it out. Everyone has one of those friends. Just gently point out to them the fact they are gossiping and that it is wrong. This is often difficult to do but will benefit your buddy more than anything else.
4. Walk away.  Actions speak louder than words. If your friend continues to gossip, do not have a part of it, instead cut yourself off from this individual to prevent this in the future.

Love The Past You,
Brittany Reimnitz