Margit’s Note: Whisper Down the Lane

By Margit Detweiler

Ah those juicy tidbits said in whispers, protected by a cupped hand — that are very rarely charitable.

Honey, if you don’t have something nice to say… come sit next to me.

We all gossip. Because it’s delicious, it’s naughty, it’s informative, it’s sometimes quite hurtful. A unique brand of storytelling, gossip doesn’t require us to know any more than the story that’s being told.

Embellishments welcome.

Is it always bad? Is gossip fundamental to being human? I don’t know, but did you hear the one about the historic blizzard that was supposed to shut down New York City? Gossip isn’t always accurate. (Ok that was more hyperbole than gossip.)

And while we assume “the hens in the yard” are the chief chattering culprits, a few studies have suggested men are more likely to gossip.

So there.

Here’s this week’s hearsay:

• Former InTouch news editor Jo Piazza explains why celebrity gossip isn’t always bad.
• Helen Jane Hearn offers tips to avoid gossip altogether.
• Lauren Oster tells us why she can’t stand the sight of that Bruce Jenner cover.
• Jody Jones overshares and wonders, when is it TMI?
• We ask TueNight contributors, “What’s the best (or worst) piece of gossip you’ve ever heard about yourself?”
• And finally, a non-gossip piece — a retort to my pop music post from last week, by writer Jennifer Hudak. We love that.

Secretly (not!),

Margit

Psst!: In high school I wrote an un-bylined column (now you know!) called “The Springside Observer” for our school newspaper, which was appropriately dubbed The Tatler. It was full of school gossip and boy-crazy insights. I’ve since improved my spelling, but the rest? See for yourself!

(Photo: Ellie Baygulov/Stocksy.com)

Originally Published January 27, 2015. Updated April 4, 2021.