How to Spot A Gossiper and Protect Yourself From Slander

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By jaredsgirl
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Spot A Gossiper and Protect Yourself From Slander

Gossipers are those people who can't help but to talk about others and often make up lies. People who gossip have an insane need to pass on a scoop they hear about others and often elaborate the story to make it sound better. Staying a way from people who gossip is the best way to avoid slander and being verbally put down by others. Here are some tips for spotting a gossiper and protecting yourself from slander.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

A gossiper will try to get information out of you or others to pass on. Spotting a gossiper is relatively easy because she is usually one who asks a lot of questions that are sometimes personal. If you find yourself confronted with a person who you don't know too well and she starts questioning you about others or yourself, chances are she is a gossiper. Recognizing a gossiper takes a little bit of attention. Sometimes, a person who gossips isn't always so forward with their intent and will subtly ask questions to get information out of you. It all depends on how good she is and how bad she wants a story to gossip about. Chances are though, if you find yourself uncomfortable around someone who is talking a lot or questioning you too much, she is probably a gossiper and you should beware of her and her slander.
Step 2

Don't divulge and information to a gossiper to fuel her need to slander others. A gossiper will take just about any information you give her and run with it. She can usually take something small told to her and expand on it with a trail of white lies. A gossiper will exaggerate the story to make it sound juicier. Talking to a gossiper about anything could put you in a position to get talked about or to hurt others by giving the gossiper something to go on. It's best to politely tell the gossiper that you are busy or do not have time to talk about things right now. If she doesn't get the hint, simply tell her that you do not wish to talk about others and you pretty much keep to yourself. If a gossiper realizes she can't get any information out of you, she'll leave you alone.
Step 3

Tell others to avoid the gossiper to prevent slander of themselves. If you spot a gossiper and are able to steer them away, make sure to let others know what she is up to. Your friends and family will be grateful to know that you are looking out for their best interests and are protecting them from slander. No one wants to be the brunt of gossip, whether the story is true or not. Telling others about the gossiper you've spotted will help them to keep from divulging information to this person as well. Eventually, if most people know that this person is a gossiper, no one will spill information to her and she will have nothing to talk about. This will help to put an end to the slander and her gossiping ways.
Step 4

Have a serious conversation with the gossiper. Tell her that her slanderous ways are upsetting you and other people. Let her know that her story telling hurts people and makes them want to avoid being around her. Sometimes, a gossiper doesn't actually realize that her actions harm others. She may not know that what she is doing is hurtful and wrong. Telling a good juicy story is usually all a gossiper intends to do. They don't always realize the consequences of the stories they tell. Talking to a gossiper and telling her that what she is doing is wrong may help to remedy the situation. Simply explain that her gossiping is slander and that slander is harming other people's characters and image. Let the gossiper know that her stories hurt others and make them upset with her. No one wants to be isolated as the person that others don't want to be around. You may be able to fix the gossipy situation simply by talking to the gossiper herself.,