Gossip Girls Gone Wild

Gossiping  

An American Tradition among Women

In the early days of this country; especially on the frontier, there were no formal modes of communication. 

                               
Women would gather during quilting bees, jelly making, and barn raisings; they would talk of all that was happening in the community and develop friendships. Newspapers were a city amenity. Even in the urban areas most people still conveyed news of marriages, childbirths, and deaths by word of mouth. 

Today with news streaming on a continual basis; gossip has moved from a way to convey important events to a way to slander others. 

Gossip is very addicting and we all fall prey to it; but it is also very damaging, especially to female friendships. It serves as another form of division among us that should be eradicated if strengthening the bonds of the community is the goal.

♥Let's Keep it to a Minimum Ladies♥  

Triangular Conversations

Often when we get upset with another person, we don't talk directly to that person about the issue but rather to another person. Many people are afraid of confrontation and I think historically women in this country were taught to not have an opinion and to not express it or any negative emotion. This has carried over in the way that most women deal with confrontation - passively rather than directly.

Often if we honestly look at our motives behind having triangular conversations, with third parties rather than direct communication with the person; we find resolution is not our primary motive behind the communication. Instead we often talk to other people to win favor, to feel justified in our stance, or to make ourselves feel better.

The only problem with "venting, complaining, or gossiping" about one person to another person, is it does not lead to a resolution of the issue and almost always causes more discord among the two individuals. Much of the tension between certain women is based on a slight, a grudge or a misunderstanding that if talked about could most likely be resolved.

So if you have not been happy with the outcomes of issues you have had in the past with others. Next time try going directly to the source of the problem to look for resolve.



Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. - Miguel Ruiz