The Gossip & The Gossiper

Loose lips that sink ships...

Let's face it: gossiping can be entertaining. There's something tantalising about sharing juicy tidbits of information about other people's lives. In fact, gossiping can even be a bonding experience when done with the right people. Just think of it as a way to share your opinions and observations about the world or other people around you with those you care about. And let's be real, sometimes it feels good to get things off your chest, and we all do it from time to time

But, as with most things in life, there are consequences to our actions. Gossiping with the wrong people can come back to haunt you.

You see, when you gossip with someone you don't know very well or aren’t exactly close with, you're essentially permitting them to gossip about you. You might think that you're just having a harmless gist, but the truth is that your gossip sessions are not entirely exclusive.

And don't forget that rumours can get twisted and exaggerated as they're passed from person to person, which can lead to hurt feelings and damaged relationships.

Gossiping with people you have no close relationship with is like giving away free ammunition. Think about it: If someone is willing to gossip with you about someone else, what's stopping them from doing the same thing to you? It's like playing with fire, except instead of burning your fingers, you're burning your reputation.

If you find yourself in the company of a serial gossiper, the kind who is quick to talk about other people when they are not there, just smile, nod, and politely excuse yourself from the conversation. It's just not worth it.

I am not asking you to stop gossiping altogether. We all love a little bit of drama every now and then, but just make sure you're doing it with someone you trust. If you're going to dish the dirt, do it with close friends or family members who have your best interests at heart.

If you must gossip, make sure you have some level of trust with whomever you are gossiping with. Plus, you know that they won't betray your trust and spill your secrets to anyone else. Just make sure you're doing it with someone you trust.

The serial and usual gossipers in disguise as friends might seem friendly and trustworthy, but remember, what goes around comes around, and you don't want to be the next subject of their next conversation. Don't fall into the trap of gossiping with someone who's always looking for the next juicy story because, if they're willing to gossip with you, they're willing to gossip about you too.

To sum up all of my motivational talk since the beginning of my letter to you, if you don't have a close bond or relationship with someone, then keep your lips sealed. If you must gossip, do so with someone you can trust.

(PS: If my emails end up in your spam folder, please mark this address as “not spam” or look in your promotions tab.)

Hugs & Kisses

- Adebolu