How I did it: I used to gossip ALL of the time... I grew up around it.  Naturally, I started doing it.  But, I found little glory in doing so. In fact, after gossip, I usually felt awful.

Just thinking about what that person's life is like is a good way to start.  If they make more money... so what?  If they are a bit promiscuous... so what?  Truly, it's no one's business but their own. And even if it was, no one has the right, nor the merit, to judge another(or so I believe).

I just thought about all of the times that I heard people gossiping about me... and I know that it doesn't feel good.  So, remind yourself of what it's like for that person... the person that you're yapping about...
I'm sure they don't feel all that great about it.

Once you've overcome the need to talk about other people's lives, you see how nasty it really is.

I know it hurts, but sometimes you have to drift away from some people that you are very close to(these people were the ones I gossiped the most with) in order to stray away from this habit.

I've been gossip free for a while now, and I can say that it has truly changed me.

Also(not to toot my own horn or anything), people find me more charming! Just one of the perks... :)

Lessons & tips:

• When a person starts to gossip about someone, mention something good about the "gossipee".  It usually makes them feel bad, and they will most likely stop.
• Think about how they might feel if they overheard you talking about them
• Gossiping usually only spreads hatred... and who wants to do that?

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Jan 16, 2009, 12:47AM PST | 2 comments | 2 cheers