IF ‘GOSSIPING’ IS YOUR FOOD – you are probably overweight!

‘Gossip’ is an intriguing word that infuses adrenaline wherever it reaches or whosoever it nurtures.

Gossiping plays an inquisitive role in human interactions and serves some useful social functions, even if it’s often seen as unfavourable. Sharing stories, views, and everyday interests strengthens social ties, fosters a sense of community, and helps people bond and build trust.

While gossip can be an engaging form of dialogue, it can also be harmful when it focuses on negative or untrue information. This can lead to misinterpretations, confusion, and strained relationships.

 A gossiper beholds extreme boredom on one hand and nasty bitterness on the other. Most people enjoy it as the best form of dialogue and communication compared to any other form of speech.

Gossip is information shared about an absent third party with a certain amount of mal-intention.

“Who gossips to you will gossip of you.”

Why do people gossip, and what are the consequences and costs? There is social bonding, venting of emotions, entertainment, and feelings of superiority during gossip. The motives are harmless because the third party is mostly clueless about the ongoing ‘behind-the-back’ stories – more so, should anyone care?

Research has shown that gossip enables cooperation but also promotes bullying and power struggles on the flip side. A gossiper feels empowered by the false notion of holding the horse’s mane. The penalty, however, may be frightening as the negative impact on self-confidence and self-esteem may lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

The term’ gossip’ has an interesting historical origin. It comes from the old English word ‘god-sibb’ or ‘godparent.’ Initially, it reflected a powerful bond between two female friends, particularly after one of them delivered a baby. However, the term gained more sinister implications over time, evolving into the gossip we know today.

Gossip is undoubtedly a joyful pastime that some hypocrites claim to dislike. What happens at the Kitty parties, school recesses, and on bar stools is known to everyone. Some well-recognised and socially acquainted characters gain popularity because they claim to be familiar with anything and everything about everyone. They, however, eventually look like fools by creating the entire drama and subsequent disorder. Gossip makes one feel insecure and lonely. It indicates emotional immaturity and comes back to itself by lying.

Mr and Mrs Gossip can be found in every colony, multi-storey facility, club, or institution. The finest of them all is the – ‘Household maid.’

History shows the devastation and destruction of kingdoms, sprawling empires, friendships, and relationships through the vicious spread of gossip and false rumours. It’s a stark reminder of the destructive power that lies within seemingly harmless words, urging us to be more mindful of the consequences of our words.

“People with immature ears and juvenile intellect have distorted minds and gullible hearts.”

Rumour and Gossip are close cousins.

Rumours are unverified information that may be true or are a farce. They have no legs but have wings that travel faster than the fastest spaceship. There is less human effort but better dispersal.

Gossip requires effort and trails a chain that may break if one person denies propagating or believing in its authenticity. It requires one swagging tongue and one news-promiscuous ear.

Gossip endures moulting stages —

Conception – An intelligent and nosey mind concocts a story about someone’s personal or secret life.

Delivery – A stage-wise growth and nourishment followed by delivery at a suitable time.

Sharing– The essential tool that requires a mediator – Friends, connections, and mass communities.

How to deal with troublesome gossip? –

*Become wise – Gossip dies when it hits a discerning ear.

*Self-evaluation – Go through the chapters of your own life before raising a finger at others.

*Self-validation – Be impeccable in your versions and statements. Your words should behold the power and charisma that comes from nothing but truth and love.

*Kill the pest – Make a habit of bullshitting any conversation or person that aims to tarnish or tear down the others.

*Practice patience – Avoid reacting to any gossip that concerns you. Your adverse reaction may validate the gossiper’s motives.

* Change your perception – Instead of being a victim of gossip, consider the gossiper as someone making you a page 3 and the ‘talk of the town’. So, appreciate the gossip; it’s not easy for someone to leave his problems and carry them on his head. This shift in perception can bring a new understanding of the dynamics of gossip.

I have found an easy way to deal with gossip. I tell different stories about my life to others, so when they gossip about me, they start arguing.

Quote of the Day – “Strong minds discuss ideas – Average minds discuss events – Weak Minds discuss people.”

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