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Dec 9

Written by: Erika
12/9/2009 10:02 AM

"Do you want the full story?" asked my new acquaintance. My first reaction was to say "yes" but I hesitated. From her tone of voice and how she leaned in toward me I knew the full story would not be flattering to the person involved. "No thanks, I don't want to know," I replied.

We had met for coffee to get to know each other a bit and found we had both worked with the same person. In fact, that's how we originally connected even though it took us years to sit down for coffee. I declined the offer for "dirt" on our mutual collegue but she was not put off and tried several times to relay the story. "No thanks," I said again and added my hand with palm raised in the STOP position.

In this case (and many cases I suspect), the "full" story is a cover for gossip. The story would be altered from it's truth just as a sentence is contorted during the telephone game. Gossip seems like a harmless and fun activity but that enjoyment comes at the expense of someone else.

To me it's not enough to increase positivity (sharing 3 good things and thinking Happy Crap) we must also stop negativity. The next time you are offered the latest "news" or the "full story" consider responding with "No thanks, I don't want to know!"

Copyright ©2009 Erika Oliver

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