Article: Gossip's beguiling ways carry heavy price

Gossip whispers, never sings.

Gossip entices you to feed it in return.

Gossip celebrates vulnerabilities rather than victories.

Whether queen bee or king bee, Gossip reigns in every workplace, every PTA, every neighborhood.

Gossip asks for your discretion while allowing its victims none.

Gossip does not slow down for the benefit of the doubt.

Gossip seeks confirmation in the tiniest of gestures.

If you take its bait, if you play its game -- if you so much as smile and nod at its tasty tidbit -- you will feel cheapened.

Gossip arrives wrapped in an alluring package.

Gossip charms, gossip flatters.

Gossip begins its sentences with, "I heard that ..."

Gossip reveals confidences without naming ...

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