Idle Talk, Rumors and Gossiping

Does my conversations with others begin with “Don’t tell anyone?”
It is important to note that people who engages in idle talk with you, will also talk idly about you. Spreading rumors and lying are closely related. A rumor listens in haste and repeats at leisure. A rumor never minds his own business because he does not have a mind nor a business. A rumor is concerned with what he overhears rather than what he hears. Idle talk is essentially the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves nothing unsaid. A famous quote states, “Small people talk about other people, mediocre people talk about things, and great people talk about ideas.”
Rumors can lead to slander and defamation of character. People who listen to rumors are equally as guilty as those who spread such rumors. A gossiper usually gets caught in his own mouth trap. Rumors ruins lives, break hearts and is malicious. It is hard to track down simply because it has no face or name. It can topple governments, damage reputations, ruin careers, wreck marriages, and cause headaches and sleepless nights.
The next time we indulge in gossiping, we need to ask ourselves:
• Is it kind and gentle?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it the truth?
• Do I say positive things about others?
• Am I spreading rumors?
• Can I maintain confidentiality?
• Do I enjoy and encourage others to spread rumors?
It is important to refrain from gossiping. Also, remember that small talk comes out of big mouths.

N. Mahesan (canada)