Shut Up With That Gossip

It’s time for some weekly motivation and REAL TALK. (Oh yes, we just cannot leave the social evils alone to thrive! No Sir!)

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” 
― Henry Thomas Buckle

FACTS

As per the dictionary – Gossip is casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Additionally, gossip is an idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others; the act is also known as dishing or tattling.
Originally applied as an important means by which people could monitor “cooperative reputations” and maintain widespread “indirect reciprocity” where one actor helped another, by indulging in social interaction with a third-party – Gossip has been used and abused over the years! From un-harmful chattering to threatening twaddling, Gossip has ruined a many lives and broken-down a million relationships. And it is hence, that instead of talking about “How To Deal With Gossip” I would point out the “Evils Of Gossip and How To Stop Yourself From Gossiping!”

Wanting to be entertained at someone else’s expense? Fancying a good laugh over someone’s weaknesses? Hurting people just so you can feel good about yourself? Believing in something that is falsely implied ? Since when did we become so shallow! Ripping someone off their fragile reputation and abusing their incompetence with the attitude of entertainment? I doubt our “HUMANNESS!” From being “newsy” to being “nosy” towards people’s problems, it’s a SHAME!

WHAT GOSSIP DOES

It perpetuates lies that ought to have died! Statistically, the overwhelming majority of hurtful rumors are false and have zero authenticity. Gossip, affects not only our judgement, but our vision too – aiding in someone else’s character assassination! From breaking hearts, to shattering lives, to wrecking someone’s honor and prestige – Gossip does more harm than help. (Sad but true!) 

Modern research indicates that people who gossip generally have very high levels of anxiety and anger, and gossiping can be a defense mechanism to relieve their anxiety. They often feel isolated, threatened and lonely and hence, see gossiping as a quick fix. But the price is too heavy to pay! Engaging in gossip makes them unpopular and untrustworthy, an eye/ear sore. (Talk about Karma!) Wrongful conclusions, unfair accusation, irreparable harm – we are all BETTER than this!

GOOD NEWS

If you think it’s time for you to turn a new leaf and become a better human, here are some pointers on how to do it –

1. MAKE A COMMITMENT THAT YOU’RE NOT GOING TO GOSSIP

Yes, engagement begins at home! INVEST in yourself. Be a better human!

2. DON’T LISTEN TO OTHERS WHEN THEY GOSSIP

Break the “GOSSIP CHAIN!” Allow the hurtful rumor to die.

3. DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE BASED ON GOSSIP

STOP BEING AN AUDIENCE! Let your own personal experience determine what you think of someone else’s character.

4. THINK BEFORE YOUR SPEAK

Before you repeat something you’ve heard about another person, think – does this really do any good for me to spread this information? Or am I just trying to be in the know? SHEEP TRICK, no thanks!

5. DON’T ASSOCIATE YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO FIND JOY IN BELITTLING OTHERS

Your are what your tribe is! Choose to surround yourself with people who are grateful, positive, kind and honest even in the midst of life’s struggles!

Gossiping is an ugly, ungodly, deceitful and soul-destroying habit that, if you have it, must be broken, repented of and replaced with words that edify (Eph. 4:29–32). Educate yourself, address the issues, encourage constructive and positive thoughts and if you really, really want to help someone – do it by extending concern, care, compassion and kindheartedness and not by talking about them behind their backs. Model the behavior you want to see, do AWESOME and live a life worth talking about! Be the change you want to see and resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on the right track. (Remember, it’s never too late for an amendment!)

Here’s to turning over a new leaf! Here’s to shutting up with gossip!

Love,