How to Deal With Family Gossip

Gossip, or the casual talk that goes on amongst the people we know and love, is an inevitable part of family life. While it proves to be one of the most common forms of sharing information, the underhanded or clandestine way in which people tend to perpetuate it, can often prove to be hurtful and untrue. To avoid becoming a participant, keep in mind the following solutions.

Instructions

1. Laugh it off. By reacting with humor, you are sending the message that you clearly don't take the news seriously. This helps to diffuse the situation, whether it is about your or another family member, by implying that there is nothing newsworthy to share.

2. Enlist the help of someone trustworthy. If there is a toxic family member who insists on distorting your personal news, find someone you trust and tell them about what is happening. By explaining how hurtful this is to you, the person is then more likely to abstain from repeating harmful gossip about you in the future.

3. Go to the source(s). Be sure to talk to them alone so that they are less likely to become embarrassed and angry. Instead of wielding accusations, however, it is best to use "I" statements in order to avoid putting them on the defensive.

4. Keep conversations focused. By sticking to impersonal topics such as weather, gardening, and movies, you can avoid being pummeled for information and prevent someone from dumping information on you.

5. Mind your own business. The best way to avoid trouble and keep you out of the rumor mill is to avoid spreading gossip. React to gossip by showing a distinct lack of interest as this may discourage the family member and show others that you are trustworthy.