Have you ever been the target of gossip? Most of us have at some point, and it's not nice - but it's human nature to talk about each other. And with the advent of social media, gossip can spread even wider. So what do you do when people are talking about you? Do you ignore it or confront them? Here's how to handle the situation when people are gossiping about you …
1. Cut It Dead
Sometimes the best way to handle gossip is to cut it dead. You don't have to tell anyone anything if you don't want to; you can just say that you've heard people are saying x/y/z about you and there's no truth to it. That simple. And if there is some truth to what people are saying, you can simply respond that it's true, but you don't want to say any more. You don't have to elaborate if you don't want to.
2. Laugh It off
The best response to gossip may also be to just laugh it off. Who cares what people are saying about you? Does their opinion really matter? If small-minded people are talking about you or someone has got the wrong impression, does it make any difference to you? Laugh off the gossip, and people will soon get bored and move on to talking about someone else.
3. Get in First
If you know people are talking about you, and that there are rumors about you, it might be best to get in first before people talk any more (and get it wrong). A pre-emptive strike can defuse any potential material for gossip and take the wind out the sails of people who like talking about others.
4. Don't Show You're Upset
Even if you're upset, it may be wisest not to show it. Gossips are sometimes trying to cause you distress, so if you get upset you're giving them exactly what they want. But if their tattling is potentially harmful, they may deserve to be told in no uncertain terms that what they see as harmless chatter could have serious repercussions.
5. Be Cautious about What You Tell People - and Who You Tell It to
Discretion is often the wisest course of action. If people don't have any material to work with then they're less likely to gossip. Even if you tell someone not to tell anyone else, they may let it slip, so keep personal information to yourself. Only reveal it on a need-to-know basis.
6. Confront Them
Gossip is always done behind someone's back. Confronting gossips takes the secrecy and anonymity out of their activity. Ask them why they're so curious about your life and what you do? It's less easy for them to justify their behavior when they're asked straight out to do so.
7. Understand Why They're Doing It
Understanding the psychology behind gossip can help. Why do people talk about others? Curiosity, enjoying other people's bad luck, meanness, fascination - there are so many motives. But if you have some idea why people are gossiping about you, then it may be easier to deal with it.
If you find yourself tempted to gossip about others, hold yourself back. Is it your business to talk about them? Would it hurt them to know people are talking about their private business? You wouldn't like people to talk about you, so don't do it yourself. Have you ever been hurt by gossip?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I hear someone gossiping about me?
- Stay calm and don't react immediately. Give yourself time to think and decide if you want to address the gossip or if it's best to ignore it.
- Is it okay to confront people who gossip about me?
- Yes, you can confront them politely. Ask them why they said those things and explain how it makes you feel, but try to stay composed and not get angry.
- How can I stop feeling upset about gossip?
- Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. It's also helpful to focus on positive thoughts and remember that gossip says more about the people who spread it than about you.
- Should I gossip back about those who gossip about me?
- No, gossiping back can make the situation worse. It's better to set a good example by not spreading more rumors and staying above the drama.
- How can I prevent people from gossiping about me?
- It's hard to control what others say, but you can build a good reputation by being kind and truthful. Also, be cautious about whom you share personal information with.