Is it wrong to want to *overhear* gossip, even if you don't participate in the gossiping?

Question

What if you overhear it from someone sitting around you? I admit that I like hearing gossip. But, I don't participate in it. And, if someone comes to me and starts saying things about someone, I say, "sorry, I don't like talking about people," or I just stare at them and not say anything - not with a mean face or anything. But, the fact that I don't respond makes them feel bad about gossiping. lol.

Answer 1

yeah, i'm the same way. I love listening to gossip especially at the office. SO much fun!!! I don't participate though.

Answer 2

It's good that you don't participate in gossip and even better that you make them feel bad by not doing so. But even if you hear it, the best thing to do would be to tell the gossipers that they shouldn't do that. I know that sounds like a "Goody-too-shoos" type of thing to do, but it is right. The fact that you hear them doing it and don't do a thing about isn't right. Doing the right thing may seem hard and uncomfortable at times, but that's how it is sometimes. Good luck with that. :)

Answer 3

If you intentionally situate yourself so that you overhear it, then it is just as bad as if they were coming to you to tell you.

If, however, you are stuck some place, and don't have something to do to distract you from the conversation around you, then there's nothing you can do about it.

Carry an mp3 player or some other source of audio - listen to some good music, or a good book, and improve your mind.

Answer 4

well it depends on what you believe. in the bible it says gossiping is a sin. and if you want to obey God then what you are doing is still gossiping even though you don't say anything. you are still sitting and listening... it would be different if you accidently heard something... then stopped listening. because you wouldn't "mean" to hear it. but from what you said it sounds like you just like to listen to other people gossip. i do too... its fun. but according to the bible it is a sin. it's hard but try to shy away from it. :]

Answer 5

No I hate gossip and basically the different day someone suggested some about a buddy of mine. and that i instructed them to end i don't like listening to some thing about anybody so lets no longer bypass there please. He did not like my answer yet that to undesirable.

Answer 6

I know how you feel. At work, I do listen to gossip if I can because half the time it is true and I want to be aware of what is going on around me to be prepared, especially if it's something that directly concerns me. Gossip isn't always harmful, just try not to spread it around yourself.

Answer 7

I love hearing gossip too and no, I don't think it's wrong. It's very natural for people to talk about others...as long as you just listen and don't really respond, that's perfect.

Answer 8

I also prefer to sit back and listen to the gossip. But if someone starts talking to me about it I just nod and smile. I usually don't contribute unless it's juicy :D

Answer 9

IT IS PERFECTLY NATURAL TO WANT TO OVERHEAR GOSSIP...BUT TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS, GOSSIP...IT SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR OCCURRENCE FOR PEOPLE TO LIE ABOUT OTHERS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT LIKE THEM PERSONALLY, WHICH CAUSES A CHAIN REACTION OF THE RUMOR BEING SPREAD AND OTHERS BELIEVING IT BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING IT...THESE DAYS DO NOT BELIEVE IT UNTIL YOU SEE IT, IT ISNT FAIR TO OTHERS...I PERSONALLY HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF SMALL TOWN IM-A-BORED-MISERABLE-REDNECK-WITH-NO-LIFE-SO-IM-GONAA-CAUSE-DRAMA GOSSIP...IT DESTROYED ABOUT A YEAR OF MY LIFE AND NOT A WORD OF IT WAS TRUE...

Answer 10

It's not wrong, and they'll make sure to talk loudly enough for you to hear, bc they'd love to draw you in! Good for you for staying out of the fray tho...