gossip

     I know this is stereotypical of females. But it still bugs me when it happens. Especially when it happens in christian arenas. What's the draw? Is it the chance at feeling elevated above one's peers? If I'm friends with you and you start getting together with Peggy and then I tell you that Peggy (I don't know anyone named Peggy) is mean to me, is it because I'm jealous? Obviously, I don't want you to hang out with her. Is she really mean to me, or am I just jealous of her boyfriend and therefore make up stories about her being mean to me to damage her? Am I lying completely?

     I don't think that you should listen to my tattlings. If Peggy is of poor character, you'll find out soon enough. As always, you should be sure of her character before you confide in her - take George Washington's advice: Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

     But what do you do when gossip backfires? I say you get what's coming to you, because you shouldn't have been gossiping. And if I told you, falsely or rightly, something about Peggy and now you don't like me, then that's the least of what I deserve, drawing you into my sin.

     I've been out of the gossip circles for awhile now. Being thrown back in has been eye-opening. I had no idea Christians hated each other so much. Not that I'm so perfect, I've just kept in on the down-low. At Ballet Magnificat they actually had us sign contracts that said we would not gossip or listen to gossip with penalty of expulsion. They were very firm about how to handle disputes. If you have a problem with someone, go talk to them about it. If they won't listen, bring a friend. If they still won't listen, go to the director.

     In conclusion - don't gossip to me. It makes me mad.