Find out why gossip is bad and what you should do to not be a part of it.
Talking Points:
- Gossip is when you’re talking about people behind their back. It’s bonding with others at someone else’s expense.
- How to stop gossip:
- Counter it. If someone starts gossiping about someone you know, say something good about that person.
- Be direct. Remind your friends that if they weren’t around, they wouldn’t want everyone talking badly about them.
- Choose your friends wisely. If you hang around gossips you’ll likely become a gossip or get really hurt by it.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever gossiped? Share a story if you have one.
- Have you ever been gossiped about? What happened?
- Have you ever seen an adult who is a huge gossip? What do you think about adults who gossip? What do you think adults think about adults who gossip?
- Why do you think gossip is so common across time and cultures?
- Why is gossiping lame?
- How can you “opt-out” of gossiping?
- Why is it important to opt-out of gossiping?
- Do you know any people you’d describe as “toxic” gossipers? Without gossiping, describe these people.
- What practical steps can you take to create a healthy distance with toxic gossipers in your life?
- How do you think this issue of gossiping is a “mirror” reflecting the kind of person you want to be and the kind of people you want to be around?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
