This subject has been gnawing at me for a while now. And seeing the hurtful effect it has on sensitive people who notice being the center of negative talk bothers me.  

Gossip is defined as going into a conversation about a person in his or her absence. Not all gossip is negative but most of it sadly is in Lebanon. This is a disease that's become more aggravated in the past few years because of the uncertainty and chaos we live in. There has to be a reason people find twisted pleasure in spreading maliciousness about others, or in simply sitting on their high horses judging and criticizing.  

We are social creatures to begin with and we need solace, we buy attention, by gossiping. Anything to feel like we belong to a group right? Wrong! Let's try and find more interesting topics to discuss relating to what we have to bring to the table. An inspiring human being can always come up with something relating to their character or thought-provoking ideas, in that manner avoiding spite. 

Now we're hitting a sore spot for most Lebanese people: the ego. They gossip to feel superior. Like somehow they know better. In doing so they temporarily soothe their insecurities and feelings of insignificance by knowing something that others don't, and revealing it. However, it's a double-edged sword and will automatically make you appear like an untrustworthy S.O.B. 

Furthermore, emotional sadism is another reason people talk behind each other's backs. They relish in the pain and misfortune of others, thrilled that it's not happening to them, and admonish individuals who don't fit into their mold of what constitutes as "normal". They come off as threatening, tough and brazen. 

Anxiety has been on the rise along with a number of emotional instabilities as a direct reflection of the economic and societal crises. Can we blame these people really?  

Yes we can! Accepting accountability for our actions is a giant step towards happiness. Anxious people are known to be more inclined to spread rumors according to research. Gossiping gives you a sense of control somewhat so it's only natural that individuals who feel a lack of it and reside in a state of uncertainty, will resort to it. 

Most people don't have any fascinating subjects to talk about. They either lack the knowledge or they're just too lazy to discuss matters of real value based on culture and knowledge that might nudge them to actually work on themselves, or take a long hard look at their own life choices. How will they get others to be interested in what they have to say? They take the easy way out and waste their time in gossiping. 

Without further ado, if we could focus on topics of value, that would somehow nourish our mind and spirit instead of demeaning ourselves by constantly criticizing others, we would see happier, more balanced people. If only. Our Lebanon needs more love, less hate. The growing uncertainty and chaos make no room for abusiveness. We should learn to let people be who they are and turn our attention inward where it should be if we ever hope to grow and improve. I'll leave you with these words from an awe-inspiring human, Mother Teresa: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."