There are few things or people I loathe more than a gossip.

But I finally found someone I loathe even more than a common garden variety gossip - the sneaky eavesdropper gossip.

While talking to a friend today about some very personal things I noticed one of the staff members at the business we were in, sidling around where we were standing.

She was listening to our conversation while she was pretending to look at a picture on the wall.

We moved, and she moved.

As I was leaving I noticed her hiding behind a wall next to where we had been talking.

What kind of person deliberately goes out of their way to listen in on other people’s private conversations? I wanted to confront her but my friend said, “Pray for her instead.” I’m not ready to do that. I think gossips should be confronted and challenged about their behavior and their lack of boundaries and respect.

The next time I get the opportunity to do just that I will.

What I know about gossips:

• Gossips stir shit up and talk trash about other people because they have NO self-esteem. They feel powerless on some level and want to feel powerful. All they can muster is to get information (or make it up) about others in order to feel like they have some control, influence and power. They are losers and they know it. Rather than change themselves or their lives, they destroy others to get what they crave - acceptance.
• People gossip because they can’t deal with the negative issues in their own lives and it’s easier to criticize or spread rumors about others than to deal with their own lives.
• Gossips are weak, scared, frightened and pathetic people.

Are You a Gossip?

• Do you comment on people’s sexuality, or your own perception of their sexuality?
• Do you relate private conversations you’ve heard or overheard to people who have absolutely no need or right to hear about them?
• Do you like hearing about someone failing, looking silly, being wrong, or doing something that reflects on them negatively because it gives you something to share with others?
• Do you feel powerful and important when talking or sharing information about someone to others?
• Do you feel righteous or duty-bound when sharing information about someone else’s shortcomings?
• Can you simply NOT keep a secret?

If you answered in the affirmative to any of the above chances are you are a gossip and no one really likes you much at all. They may fear you - or fear being the juicy morsel in your basket of lies and trash talk, but they don’t like you. All the attention you crave and acceptance you seek? Not happening until you learn boundaries, respect and compassion for those who are now simply your victims.

Take time to remember what goes around comes around and if you keep being a gossip you are going to be hurt one day - badly.

Nobody’s Friend

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody’s friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it harmless?
Is it necessary?
If it isn’t, don’t repeat it.

~ Author Unknown