Why people gossip and how to stop it

At one point or another, most of has have partaken in gossip. Whether you are the one who unconsciously gossips or just engages by listening either way, gossip never ends well. On a deeper look at habitual gossipers, they are split between two types. One type is cruel, self-centered, and doesn’t wish well upon others. The other type seems confident on the outside but are full of insecurities so unconsciously bringing other down through gossip makes them feel better about themselves. 

 

Why do people gossip?

Before discussing how to stop gossiping, we need to delve deeper into the reasons why people gossip. For the majority of people, gossip is people’s way of telling stories or building a connection with someone whom they know will want to hear this gossip. Those who gossip also gain a sense of power from feeling they have the upper hand with inside info about others.

 

How to stop gossiping?

1. Do not entertain the conversation. If someone starts gossiping about another person and badmouths them do not entertain the conversation by asking questions or giving an inviting reaction for the gossiper to continue further.

 

2. Remind yourself it is unethical other info about others. Every time you catch yourself about to start gossiping, remind yourself that that if someone trusted you with something, then you shouldn’t break this trust no matter what.

 

3. Put yourself in the shoe of someone who is gossiped about. If you are in a situation where gossip takes place, think how you’d feel if you were in the shoe of that person being gossiped about. How would that make you feel? Remember the only way to put an end to gossiping is by not encouraging the behavior when exhibited in front of you.