
“Gossip is the Devil’s telephone, best just to hang up.” ~ Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara nails it, but here’s what often gets missed: gossip needs an audience. We focus on the person talking, but what about the listener? The one just nodding along, telling themselves they’re not participating? That silence isn’t neutral- it’s permission. I’ve been that person. Not contributing, but not leaving either. That’s the trap. The bare minimum? Remove yourself. Walk away. Better yet… Speak up first, then leave. “I’m not comfortable with this conversation.” Then go. It’s uncomfortable. But gossip stops the moment someone refuses to play their part.
