How do I let others know respectfully but FIRMLY that I will not listen to or participate in their gossip?

Question

I get pretty annoyed when people start spreading rumors and falsehoods about others in my presence, so please, how do I get them to STOP?

Answer 1

I don't think there is anything YOU can do to make THEM stop. You can remove yourself from every situation when they start gossiping. Or you could also state that you are not comfortable discussing people who are not here to defend themselves.

Wish there were more people in this world like you. You are setting a great example for others.

Answer 2

Well unfortunatley you can't control anybody else's actions but your own, so i would suggest that you just remove yourself from that situation as quickly as possible. i usually come out an tell people up front when asked about a certain person or ther lifestyle that i will not participate in any kind of gossip whatsoever. i appreciate my privacy and other's privacy as well. It has worked for me many times at my work place

hope this helps.

Answer 3

Walk away, make it obvious that you aren't interested in their gossip. Or, make up some crazy story and say "Yeah, someone one was telling me that you and your wife/husband were swingers in the day. Yeah, that is pretty ridiculous. I hate people who gossip don't you?" Good Luck.

Answer 4

Exactly what you said here. I also can't stand the gossip mill and I've found that just being straight up and not mincing my words made it hard for me to be misunderstood. Good luck!

Answer 5

Walk away

Answer 6

I think it would be impossible to get a gosip to stop, but you can
just walk away when it starts.

Answer 7

I would say, "Hey when I leave the room are you going to talk about me too" give them something to think about.

Answer 8

Walk away, don't answer, don't listen...and when asked just say "I don't want to talk about this."