REFLECTIONS AND TIPS FROM MARY

A JUNIOR HIGH GIRL ABOUT GOSSIPING/AVOID IT/AND ADMIT IT WHEN YOU’VE ERRED!

Dear Readers: I just love when students write about things that happen in their daily lives. In this instance, Mary wrote about gossip and how other youth might want to handle it. She has decided to write pieces called "Reflections by Mary" for the Underdogforkids blog. Enjoy -- Diana

By Mary Ortiz

Everybody hates gossip, but think about it. How many times have you said something you didn’t mean or was very mean about a friend? Gossiping can cause so much drama. For instance, as my youth group leader tells you: "When you girls are gossiping and one of you leaves, the gossiping backfires on you and suddenly you are the target." Think about how you would feel.

I have lost a few friends because of gossiping. Some of it wasn’t even true. When girls gossip it always backfires. If you are the victim, confront the person because you never know if their words have been twisted.

If you are the person talking and the person confronts you, don’t lie. That will make the person lose trust in you. Realize everybody makes mistakes. If you say something and know it wasn’t on purpose or you didn’t mean it, admit it. Don’t let the person find out from someone else. Tell the person truth. Sure they'll be mad, but at least you might still have a chance to keep them as a friend. And that would be truly lucky.