WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT I HEARD...

Too much of a good thing can make you sick. Or at least that’s what they say. From chocolate to alcohol, there’s always supposed to be a limit. But what about when it comes to gossip, the glue that holds us together? It’s sinful by biblical standards, morally repugnant by society’s. But whether we like it or not, we all do it. And we all love doing it, too. It’s the thrill of being secretive and revealing information you shouldn’t that makes it feel so dangerous. Whether it’s a note passed in class or a whisper across the table, gossip is a wonderful indulgence, better than any dessert.

In fact, a lower calorie count might not be the only benefit that gossip offers. In the Review of General Psychology, evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar found in her research that gossip is actually quite healthy for you. Not only does it help us form bonds with others, it also implicitly informs us what not to do ( a. k. a. don’t hook- up with this person because that person will tell everyone) and what behaviour is socially acceptable within the group dynamics of any given situation. Dunbar calls it a “primary function of language,” adding, “gossip is what makes human society as we know it possible.”

Gossip is a lot like the news. Whether we get it from someone in front of a camera or the biggest mouth in town, it helps us understand our place in the world.

It’s only when we realize we may be at risk of being gossiped about that we take pause. Which is why it’s important to know how to gossip the right way: be loyal to your true friends, don’t spread lies, don’t go too big and be careful who you talk to. Who needs a lie when the truth is so much more delicious?

Sure, gossip may thrive in the mouths of those who feel better mocking others, but some of us just like sharing information. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Friendships thrive through sharing secrets and swapping gossip. After all, it’s still possible to be a good friend and be a gossip- monger. In fact, it’s more likely. As Alice Roosevelt Longworth once said, “If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me.”