participate in gossip.
Continued on next page
Much of the social interaction in some groups revolves around talking about people who aren’t present.
For many, that’s a form of connection.
People& Society
For them, it’s uncomfortable.
They don’t feel comfortable speaking ill of someone who can’t defend themselves. They change the subject. They remain silent. They even defend the absent person.
And that makes the group uncomfortable.
Not because they think they’re superior, but because they have a different ethical code. If they don’t have something nice to say,