Gossip runs rampant
everywhere, despite hearing that we should not do it . The best I can do is to try to keep it in perspective. Sometimes
gossip is a good thing. I've no doubt
been kept from being a victim of people with sinister intentions because of
the gossip I would hear about them. Conversely, sometimes a negative
impression I have about someone changes to me having a better opinion of
him/her based on comments other people have made that allow me to see the
person in a different light. And
numerous times when trying to get a gift for someone, it has been revealed
through gossip what types of things a person likes and appreciates. Very helpful!
On my side, if I have
something to contribute to a conversation about someone, I try (albeit not
always successfully) to remember to question my own intention for doing so
because I am the one who will have to live with the consequences of my
words. Secondly, I need to ask myself if I am stating facts or am I just
"spinning" unfounded speculation? Especially during the holiday
season, when so many emotions tend to surface and anxieties increase, it is
worthwhile to take a few minutes to justly filter what we hear and say before
we digest it. And then continue that
practice throughout the year. Happy
holidays!
Copyright
© November 2017 by Maeke Ermarth
Ocean
City, MD
