Gossip

“I have a gossip problem. I stir the pot. I'm a pot-stirrer.” - Shirley, Community

It's easy to have a fairly narrow definition of gossip, such that the behaviors you typically engage in fall outside it. For example, if your definition of gossip is "talking badly about someone else," then as long as you don't say anything outright malicious about another person, it's not gossip. Right?

On the other hand, taking a more broad view, why talk about someone else at all?  To praise her virtue?  To make fun of him?  To provide helpful advice to someone in dealing with the other person?  Motivation definitely matters, and it's important to stop and think before you take someone's name in vain.

What if you're not saying anything specifically about the other person, but just passing along news about what the person said, did, implied, incited, etc.?  You're just passing it along, to keep everyone informed, and isn't that a good thing?

No.

No, actually it's not a good thing if what you are really doing is stirring the pot.

I work in a high school, and sometimes I wonder what it would be like if everyone, students, teachers, administration, cut out two things from their conversation, and gossip is one of them.

Do you ever have a conversation with someone who incessantly talks about other people, and you just wonder, "What is this person saying about me when I am not around?"  Yeah.  That's the kind of person you end up avoiding.  Don't be that person.

A Scientific Explanation of Why I Never Count Calories

Counting calories makes me sad, and being sad causes weight gain!

5 Great Outside-the-Box Dates

Need some inspiration on what to do with your [potential] SO?  Here are my latest and greatest ideas for the perfect date:

1. Brunch
Brunch is always fun.  It's fun if you make it and fun if you go out.  It's fun if you're gluten-free (eggs) and if you love the gluten (pancakes/waffles)!  It's especially fun with bottomless mimosas.  You get the picture.  Plus, if you end up marrying this person, it's a good test run of what your Sunday afternoons will eventually be like.

2. Western Wear
The point here is not so much the destination (although line dancing/two-step places are lots of fun) but to dress like a cowboy and get your girlfriend to dress like a cowgirl.  Why?  Why not!  You probably are both going to look hot with cowboy boots and cowboy hats on, so embrace it.  Take some two-step lessons for extra style points.

3. Bicycle Tour
Go somewhere on bicycles.  You can find the best local bike trail and see where it leads, or design a custom tour, on side roads, of an area of your choice.  Get creative!  All you need are two two-wheelers and a bright sunny day.

4. The Bank
Why not explore your favorite financial establishments?  This could be a great way to start the conversation about money and your financial goals.  Many marriages struggle over questions of money, so this is something you want to figure out as soon as possible!

5. April 25
It's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.