No matter all comments & remarks made to the contrary, there's no denying the fact that we Indians just love to gossip. Period. And it's not just the women-folk who partake in it religiously (as the legend goes!), it's the guys too who are equally neck-deep in it. Though the subjects we "discuss" about may differ at times, when it comes to gossiping, it's like we've all "been there, done that". Yeah, you could say the affliction is widespread. And oh yes... it is highly infectious! I'm sure we all know that now don't we ;)
Sneaking, lying and cheating among friends or acquaintances make for the most savory material of course, but often topics like broken marriages, failed relationships, messy divorces, office politics, school / college happenings, celebs' secret affairs to What's wrong with someone's sex life (ahem!), Who's dating who, Whose car window got smashed by whose kid, Whose bird got eaten by whose cat (lolzz) et al are popular... I mean people just love blathering about anything and everything under the sun... And once they start there's no stopping ‘em... one thing leads to another and another and another...
Well, things stand such that some researchers & social scientists now believe that gossiping is not just a trivial pastime but a way of life... a means essential for human beings' social, psychological & even physical development (yeah right!) … And the advancements in technology (e-mail, texting / messaging) & the advent of social networking sites have ensured that people have several avenues to achieve this... er, 'social development' of theirs...
At the risk of sounding partial & a bit sexist maybe, have to admit that women are so much more skilled at the art of gossiping than men. They have an innate ability to make even the dullest & most drab piece of news items spicy & entertaining. 3 factors that contribute immensely to this phenomena, in my opinion - highly animated tones while gossiping, plenty of details (sometimes embellished with loads of imaginary stuff :P) and last but not least... the enthusiasm with which they seek & give 'feedback' :) But yeah, a lot of guys are learning the tricks of the trade fast & guess it won't be long before they can pose a serious challenge to gals for the moniker of the "best gossiper around"...
Most gossip takes place behind the back of the person who is being gossiped about... though we are aware about what we are doing is incorrect but then there is an eagerness to do so and we truly love it. It stems from the thrill of doing something a bit naughty, talking about people's 'private' lives – well, it just can't be helped, all humans have this built-in, subconscious need for taking risks & doing things we aren’t supposed to. Some reasons why people gossip: plain & simple curiosity, general tendency, personal interest, dislike of someone/something etc. Whatever be the reason, admittedly gossiping is real fun, a fun that everyone loves to experience & be a part of.
As a concluding note, well, let me just say that before starting to gossip always think that it shouldn't hurt someone's sentiments. Gossip should consist of light, fun-filled banter meant to de-stress & relax frayed nerves and not something that makes you feel guilty in the future about the things you said about someone... on that note, I end this piece. Keep yakking people... & by the way, "Did you hear this one ……???" :)
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