ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO GOSSIP OR TO LISTEN TO SOMEONE ELSE GOSSIPING
People love to talk. No matter how new you are to being a pastor’s spouse, you’ve probably already noticed the gossips!
The funny thing is, gossips assume that the pastor’s spouse needs to know their opinions about everything and everyone else. But politeness doesn’t require you to listen.
In fact, people will respect and trust you far more if you don’t. (Even if they get miffed when you refuse to listen.)
It’s perfectly OK (in fact, it’s a very good idea!) to absolutely refuse to participate in any gossip of any kind.
When people come to you to “share” things that are negative or aren’t their right to share, it’s OK for you to kindly say, “Thank you for trusting me with that information, but I’d rather not talk about people who aren’t here to defend themselves.” Or some variation that feels right for you.
And when people ask you for information that you know because of your husband’s position, it’s OK to tactfully refuse to spill. In fact, it’s probably the smartest thing you can do.
Have a survival tip that someone shared with you once upon a time, or that you have learned along the way? Send it in to share here at [email protected].
