How can I quit gossiping?

Question

It seems that its impossible to stop when everyone around me at my small school gossips. Any suggestions?

Is it ok if when people start gossiping about someone to try saying something really nice about them?

Answer 1

Make a concentrated effort not to. Take a minute before speaking to think about what is going to come out of your mouth. Perhaps you can think of a few topics to discuss besides other people. When everyone else starts w/ the gossip you will have a ready and available subject to bring up. Do it enough and you can start a new trend, people talking about idea, not other people. Look into a new hobby or sport - find out what things your friends are interested in and discuss that instead.

It also helps to visualize the hurtful things you say as little bags of garbage. do you want to surround yourself w/ bags of trash? Every time you open your mouth and gossip that is essentially what you are doing - talking trash about someone and it doesn' t just disappear. It sits there, polluting your and other peoples minds.

Answer 2

Walk away and focus on the hurtful repercussions of gossipping. Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Tell yourself, "do I have such a low self-esteem that I have to gossip about other people?" Take a stand to what is morally right and positive, and walk away from the negative stuff and you will be happier. Take a stand and forget the people that cause other people pain and suffering or causing you pain and suffering. Code of honor: "Never need praise, approval or sympathy." "Never give or receive communication unless you yourself desire it"

Answer 3

Gossip is one of those things you have to decide not to do and stick with it. Just like any other moral belief. If it's not true dont say it, if you dont know dont say it. When someone is gossiping around you, leave, change the subject, or just let them know. That sounds like gossip and i dont want to talk about that.

Answer 4

I think it's tough to stop. You are in an environment that promotes it. Well, my solution for it is to talk about stuff that isn't related to so-and-so.

You've got yourself a world out there. There are plenty of things to talk about like sports and stuff. Those are better things to talk about than someone else.

You know, when I find myself about to gossip. I think of the most ridiculous thing and just say it. For example, if someone is talking smack about someone else, I add to it in the most absurd way like: "yeah, I heard about her... I hear she has a kwiki mart in her pants" or be general about it and be like "yeah, well I heard those group of people over there can do kung fu chops and head butts."

The best thing is to just be positive. If you feel that you're going to say something negative, try thinking about the better side of things.

Answer 5

It takes three weeks to break a bad habit. Just think about what you are going to say before you say it. Sometimes you will slip and other times you won't. Get good at changing the subject, too!

Answer 6

This is good that you are aware of it. You just have to ween yourself off so you don't go into a gossip seizure.

Answer 7

Just stop talking to people about it....if your friend calls you and you know she is just gonna start gossiping, dont answer it....its easy just think about when your doing it and stop yourself.......

Answer 8

Starting writing things in a journal. Or find a new group of friends.

Answer 9

When you are about to gossip, ask yourself, what if someone is doing the same about you? Or your loved ones? You wouldnt want it, sooo.....!

Answer 10

Keep a journal. Smile when they talk about other people..and turn away. Take the high road.