Gossip is not only something women are adept at.
It is something that you find replete in the work circuit as well. Yes, that’s right – men are known to gossip too! But, why is it that people gossip at all? Read on to find out.
1
Mundane Lives
If people feel that their own lives are boring and lack any form of spice, they tend to attack the lives of others. Finding juicy tit-bits to talk about from other people’s lives, can help some derive entertainment and excitement that their own lives lack.
2
Insensitivity
Being unaware of the hurt and angst back-biting may cause, people tend to talk freely about others and their flaws. This shows a complete lack of sensitivity and apathy. For the sake of small talk or short-lived amusement, some people simply do not care about the reputation of others.
3
Jealousy
While boredom may be a cause of gossip, jealousy could also be a lesser known evil that leads to it. Yes, if someone is envious of the car you own, or the lifestyle you lead, they may resort to talking ill about you, behind your back.
4
To Put Others Down
This happens especially in the workplace. Yes, this is actually something a lot of people do. It is unethical and unprofessional, but to score brownie points with the boss, some mortals resort to loose talk and gossip about their colleagues who are doing well and may appear to be better workers than them.
Being aware of gossip-mongers and the effect of their casual behavior can help you keep your image intact. Moreover, once you know about them, you will need to learn how to steer clear of them and not get affected by what they say. Here is how you can do it:
1
Ignore
Ignorance is bliss, it is said. Practicing it in this case is the best thing to do. Paying heed to the gossip and to the perpetrators of the same will only fuel their callousness. So, avoid giving it any more thought than it deserves.
2
Act Normal
Go about your business as usual. Do what you are good at, something that may be the reason the gossip started in the first place. Continue to be on your normal behavior. It will not only affect you less, it will also irritate the gossip-monger(s) and give them fewer reasons to continue with their nonsense.
3
Confront
If you feel that the talks are getting a little too much and your inter-personal relations are getting affected, confront the person behind the whole thing. Tell him clearly that they should not interfere in your life and you shall take strict action against them if they continue to do so.
4
Take Legal Action
If confrontation does nothing to stop them, report the misconduct to the authorities at the workplace, or consult a legal professional if you feel it needs to be dealt with more seriously.
Gossip has become a part of our society and many people cannot live without it. However, it remains tolerable until it does not start affecting anyone personally. The moment it does, you need to adhere to the suggestions above to curb the effects.
By Julius Choudhury
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