It Ain't Gossip if it's True...

Gossip is generally a mean-spirited thing. So why do nice people like me participate? Do I do it to make myself feel better about me? Do I not like the people I talk about (because let's face, it can be hurtful)? It makes me feel in the know to receive information about others and important when I'm the first to give info to other people. I don't feel good about myself when I do it. I seem to attract it...people are always coming to me for info or trying to tell me about other people. I've been hurt by gossip yet I continue to do it. I don't feel evil when it's happening but when I reflect upon my day and realize I've been a "gossip" I feel like crap. This year I'm on a quest to be a better person (better, not perfect) so I'm adding gossip as one of my personal "seven deadly sins"! Don't be mad if one of these days I tell you to back away from my desk and say, "I don't want to know!"