Don't Gossip

Step 14:

 Remember, people who gossip with you also gossip about you in your absence. 

Gossiping and lying are closely related. A gossip listens in haste and repeats at leisure. A gossip never minds his own business because he neither has a mind nor a business. A gossip is more concerned about what he overhears than what he hears. Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves nothing unsaid.

 Someone said it well: "Small people talk about other people, mediocre people talk about things, great people talk about ideas." 

Gossip can lead to slander and defamation of character. People who listen to gossip are as guilty as those who do the gossiping. 

A gossip usually gets caught in his own mouth trap. Gossip has no respect for justice. It breaks hearts, it ruins lives, it is cunning and malicious. It victimizes the helpless. Gossip is hard to track down because it has no face or name. It tarnishes reputations, topples governments, wrecks marriages, ruins careers, makes the innocent cry, causes heartaches and sleepless nights. The next time you indulge in gossip, ask yourself.

• Is it the truth?
•  Is it kind and gentle?
•  Is it necessary?
•  Am I spreading rumors?
•  Do I say positive things about others?
•  Do I enjoy and encourage others to spread rumors?
•  Does my conversation begin with, "Don't tell anyone?"
•  Can I maintain confidentiality?

 Refrain from indulging in gossip. Remember, small talk comes out of big mouths.