Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Gossip Girls (and Boys)

There's some rampant gossip going on at my office right now, and I'm getting pretty fed up with it. I have to admit, many times I've fallen prey to the temptation to indulge in it. I often think about the verse in Proverbs about gossip being like choice morsels--as delightful as the gossip may seem at the time, I'm often left with a stomachache afterward.

I'm trying to avoid being a part of the gossip, both on the speaking end as well as the listening end, but that's easier said than done, especially when some of those engaging in the gossip are some of your closest co-workers. So what's the best way to avoid gossip in tight quarters? Should I speak up and admonish co-workers to not do it? Or should I just walk away when it starts to happen?

2 comments:

Confessing Lunatic said...

I can completely relate to your situation. I have asked two good friends/co-workers to not share gossip with me because it is not helpful for my attitude. Both apologized.

Most times however, I don't put myself in position where I am subjected to gossip. I rarely go out to lunch with the "group" and I don't go on break with them. I am fortunate to have a gym where I can go work out during lunch. If I didn't have that, I would leave the building in order to stay away from it.

I don't know if you're in cubicles like we are but in that atmosphere it's hard to get away at times from gossip. At times when I just need to get "away" from the conversations others are having, I pull out my iPod and headphones. I have to be careful not to miss phone calls but that is quite helpful!

Tara said...

It's sad to say but I feel this same way when we have a fellowship with our age group at church. It seems that we can't talk about anything without it turning into gossip. And I seem to get sucked in by either listening or participating.

I have been praying lately for forgiveness for gossiping, but also help with dealing with it among fellow Christians. I think it gets to be such a part of your life that you don't even realize what you are doing. And we're still the "new family" here so it seems harder to ignore while still trying to get to know people.

I know this is no advice, but maybe a little commiseration will help.