How do you operate around a bunch of harpies and amateur gossip columnists in the work place?

Answer 1

be conscious about what you say, and think about how it could be interpreted by them, and reinterpreted by someone else when they repeat what you say. i am going to make a huge generalization and say that a "woman's intuition" is already very very good at doing this.

if you want to be super safe, have huge, long, complicated but neutral answers for everything. just like politicians.

Answer 2

Like the first post says, play with them without revealing anything real or damaging. Tell them that someone brought a bat chain puller to work and left it in their cube over lunch. Join in, but only as an actual non-participant. Offer harmless B.S. and try to get them to talk about things other than gossip. The thing you don't want is for them not to talk to you, because then they'll gossip about you the most.

Answer 3

Don't give them any weapons to stab or shoot you with. You will be tempted to join in as it is part of human nature to want to fit in and obtain affirmation. You must resist this and get your social needs met elsewhere. Don't engage in any gossip and work hard. If someone engages you in gossip you can simply say this:

"This sounds a lot like gossip and I am feeling very uncomfortable about it. I think we should change the subject."

Don't give them any personal information as they will use your words to forage weapons against you.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I agree with Daniel.
Learn a good, long line of BS, and launch into it anytime that your personal life/business comes up.
Weave it, wind it, spin it and
when you see that confused, eyebrow-furrowed look
on their faces, say,
"Oh, enough about me. Gotta get back to work."
Pretty soon they'll leave you alone.
It does feel awful to work with those kind of people.
And, based on your other question, they are probably so jealous that you aren't married and miserable like they are...
Good luck

Answer 5

I don't! I do not entertain idle chatter and gossip, a complete waste of time. I would simply tell them that if they put as much energy into their own lives as they do with other peoples business. They would be much happier human beings. very true. God bless****

Answer 6

Give them something really juicy that is completely made up and will make them feel retarded when they learn they have been spreading it around even though it is bullsh*t. Oh, and give the ringleader a swift kick in the vag. Best of luck.

Answer 7

You don't. You can't. Quit and get a job somewhere where you work with happy, well-adjusted grown ups. The scene you are describing has "Pink Collar Ghetto" written all over it.

Answer 8

Be polite around them, but don't get too close to them, and keep your secrets secret. That's how I deal with the three old biddies who hang around my grandparents' pool. They're genuine Yentes.

Answer 9

Just pit them against each other so you can go about your business.