Gossiping, you’ve done it, I’ve done it, let’s just call it out for what it is: bullying.
It’s normal to not like other people and society tells you that it’s a normal response to spread rumors about them, or say something bad about them to your friends, or share their secrets. But it shouldn’t be normal and it’s definitely not okay. I learned the golden rule when I was in 1st grade and I strive to live by it every day: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. How beautiful would life be if everyone followed this rule?
I am not writing this to tell you what to do, but I am asking you to reevaluate your behavior towards others, and if you do, trust me, you will become a much better person and your life will improve drastically. The world is a horrible place, do you really want to contribute to it in this way?
Here is a list of some things you could do every time you feel like gossiping:
1. Eating and drinking.
The whole idea of eating is to keep your mouth occupied with something other than gossiping. Every time you feel like gossiping take a big gulp of your water bottle or pop a mint in your mouth. Or five. You’ll be really hydrated and healthy and your breath will be super minty!
2. Walk away.
If you’re with your friends and they start gossiping now would be a great time to exit stage left, use the bathroom, call someone, refill your drink, whatever. You can always return to them when you’re done and even bring along a new topic! “Did you see Lindsey’s dress? It’s gorgeous!”
3. Tell a joke or a funny story.
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." - Charlie Chaplin
Who doesn’t love to laugh and be around funny people? This article can give you some pointers on how to be funny.
4. Start a dance battle.
Dancing! It’s so much fun and great exercise. All that you need is a phone, a speaker, and some moves. Not keen on dancing? Try karaoke or just singing aloud! Your mouth can’t gossip when your hips don’t lie!
5. Perform an act of kindness.
It’s really hard to say something bad about someone when you’re doing something good for someone else. Doing small things like giving a homeless person your last dollar, handing out positive post-it notes, or giving a cold water bottle to the garbage man are all small acts of kindness. Not only will performing these acts of kindness keep you from gossiping, but you will overall become a kinder person. Practice makes perfect!