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Who, me? Yes, me. I learned today that I have been the topic of some serious, good ole fashioned gossip. People gossip for all kinds of reasons, I guess: to make themselves look better or more important for having such "special knowledge" of the victim, or merely to trade information; to punish, to discredit, to divide and conquer on the social scene, and probably many, many more motives that I can't think of, right now. Some people are such accomplished gossips that they can make a good "turn" sound like a bad thing. Ever loan someone money and find that instead of being thankful, they are more irritated because you didn't give them as much as they had really wanted or asked for? Suddenly, you become the stingy one, right? Some gossips use the threat of spreading gossip or withhold the names of others who've supposedly given them the misinformation to hold their victims close to them -- to give the impression that they are needed. Normally, when people are gossiping about me and say negative things, it doesn't bother me so much, because I do know that I deserve it. I mean, noone's perfect; least of all me. Sometimes -- usually when there's no coffee -- I'm downright cranky with people. Or too blunt (that's usually it). Or I'm bossy. Too easily frustrated in the sandbox, working and playing with others. Sometimes I'm checking my email while I'm talking to you on the phone, or grinding coffee, or hollering at the dog, or giving the children ugly looks for not practicing their piano right that moment -- and not really giving you my full attention. You name it, I've probably done it. And I expect to take my licks when I have problems like these that I just haven't been able to overcome, or areas where I'm rude and insensitive. But when you see active politicking at work with gossip and lies as the platform and yourself at the center, it is time unplug the phone lest you give people any grain of truth that might make their stories seem more realistic or learned. When you have a rumor-weed in your life, you need to carefully pull it and put it somewhere that it can't grow and thrive. Of course, I expect to have to live with some backlash from that and things will probably get worse before they are better, but I'm confident I'm doing the right thing. Just know, if someone says I've said something about you, there's a good chance it isn't true. But just in case, call me anyway and let me apologize, or explain the context, or whatever is needed. The things I've heard about myself today are pretty mind-boggling, and if true, I'm definitely going straight to hell in a handbasket. Thankfully, they aren't true; and if you hear a rumor-weed speaking, maybe you'll pull it out of your life, too. I recently read a wonderful blog on the subject of Gossip at JenIg's site and I'll post a link here, since it is such a wonderful, thorough discussion of the topic: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/328313/ And if ever you hear me gossiping, kindly tell me to staple my tongue to the table! |
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Posted by LaDonna C.
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