Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Gossip

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Feb 26, 2013, at 8:59 AM, Joanie Connors <jvcphd [at] gmail.com> wrote:

> Because of this, I've always seen a positive purpose for
> well-intentioned gossip. If a situation is healthy, it should be OK to
> talk about it. If it's not healthy, then talking leads the way to
> finding answers.

I would add to the positive benefits venting. Sometimes there are situations or 
people that are not going to change no matter what you personally try to do. 
Talking to a sympathetic person who understands this can help lower your 
thermostat when nothing else is going to. I can vent and go on. 

I have friends who will say, "Okay, I'm just venting here but....." Then it's 
over.

I also find it helpful to hear that someone else has the same perceptions or 
frustrations or positive feelings I do. I can relax and maybe follow up or not.

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines, Washington DC 
Where all roads lead to Casablanca