The Art of Gossip

and why I don't think it's such a bad thing

I’ll admit, I love a little gossip. It’s so human, so powerful, so complex, and can be the root of so much joy. Hear me out. Society bashes gossip as a morally corrupt activity but so many great things are built from good gossip. Gossip Girl is one of our more modern examples, debatable if it’s ‘good’ gossip but it’s most definitely art. Being a good gossip can make you a very interesting person. Add this one on to the art of being interesting. It’s a delicate balance. You don’t want to fall down the rabbit hole of being an ugly mean monster that tells everybody’s business. But there’s nothing like a good story.

Gossip brings strong connections. It’s how we communicate as a society. We yap, we chit chat, we giggle! A little non-harmful gossip goes a long way in the name of connection. Gossip is historical. In some cases, it’s necessary. In Pride & Prejudice, gossip is practically a character in itself. In the book, Women Talking by Miriam Toews, gossip literally saves lives. Oh, and if you have yet to indulge in Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, you should. Gossip in Big Little Lies is used as a weapon and a shield. The women both bond and clash over school politics, secrets, and domestic abuse. And a more modern gossip, Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton. Don’t you just love Shanda Rhymes? Bridgerton gossip from Lady Whistledown gives power to a woman in a society where women are powerless. It also builds (and sometimes breaks) the community. Plus, it’s entertaining as hell.

Here are my do’s and don’t’s of gossip: