I always say, “If you don’t have anything better to do than to talk about me, you go right ahead!”
I don’t mean to make light, as I’m sure whatever they’re saying hurts your feelings. Gossip tends to get worse the more talking people do -including you. It’s like an out of control game of telephone…ya know the game? It’s where you sit in a circle, let’s say, and someone starts the game off by whispering a short story in the ear of the person next to them. The story is supposed to make it’s way around the circle as it was originally told, but it never does. The more people involved in the game, the more distorted the original story becomes.
I honestly don’t think people do it maliciously b/c I don’t think many people even stop to think how hurtful it can be. We all have a tendancy to get caught up in other people’s affairs, and then next thing you know, we’re hanging out w/a mutual friend or family memeber and before you know it, the discussion leads into a back n’ forth about a person you both know. Some would argue that’s not really gossiping. Some people define gossip as a deliberate spreading of things
they know are untrue.
I’ve always held the standard for myself that if I wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, then I wouldn’t say it to anyone else. I’ll admit, I’m not always successful at living up to that standard, but my intentions are good.
Honestly, as hard as it may be, I’d ignore it. I’d pretend you have no idea. To seek out those you suspect are gossiping is like taking responsibility for their poor behavior. It’s not
your fault they’re gossiping. Something else to keep in the back of your mind as well is - unless you overhead people *yourself *talking about you, then you really don’t know for sure if they’re gossiping about you. If you approach someone based on what someone else told you (even if the person is trustworthy and close to you), you’ll just be adding to the confusion of the situation. Even the most well-intentioned friends- spouse- or family member can get their wires crossed; and in thinking they’re defending you or protecting you against the gossip by telling you about it, they’re really only contributing to it.
Pray for those who hurt you - it’s the only way to keep peace in your heart. :console:
