Many years ago, gossiping was a criminal offense. Although you won’t be placed behind bars for spreading gossip today, the effects of gossip can be very damaging. It may be tempting to learn the confidential and juicy details about a person or situation, but we must discipline ourselves to stop it.
If someone begins to share information you know you shouldn’t be hearing, even though you are chomping at the bit to hear it, politely say, “Does _______ know you’re telling me this? We’re good, (co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc.), and I don’t want him/her to think I’m talking behind his/her back.”