by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: April 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

As long as I live, I doubt I will ever understand why families have to gossip about each other. Are the neighbors so boring that we have to focus on our own blood? I guess it may have lot to do with jealousy. Maybe we don't feel like we are being treated the same? Regardless of the reason, my family wins the gossip prize hands down.

You don't need a telephone, or a telegraph when you tell-a family member. This is the philosophy we have in my family. It's actually kind of sad when you think about it. You are no longer free to have secrets unless you keep them to yourself. You certainly don't want them blabbed. Just watch what you say. If you think that you are going to be front-page family gossip, keep it to yourself. Harder than it sounds when it comes down to it, but you have to do whatever you can to keep the peace down.

How about tattle tales? We have those in my family too. The best solution is to be good. If you can not do that, then be good at covering it up. Still not a good idea? Be honest. Tell on yourself before they have a chance too. This will tear them up because they didn't get to bust you out. Just be prepared to face the music for whatever you did!

Be honest with your family. It might help. It might not. Tell them how it makes you feel when they talk behind your back. Tell them that's not the way a family is supposed to act, and pray that they will see the error of their ways. If it still doesn't help, remove yourself from the situation. Tell them it hurts you to do so but you can't have them constantly causing family dilemmas.

No matter what, remember that you are family. Love them and accept them no matter how many times they talk about you. Though turning the other cheek sounds lot easier than it is, it may be something we could bring back into style. Chances are your family does not mean you any harm. You could just shrug it off. After all, if they are talking about you that means they are giving someone else a break.

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