Information. Our world literally revolves around the need for information. Throughout our day we are constantly introduced to information, whether that be fact, fiction, gossip, or hear-say. Information is represented and presented to us in many methods. At any given moment we can access a television, radio, internet, newspapers, magazines, or just listen to those in the same room as us for some sort information. Regardless of it's source, most of what we hear can be considered gossip or hear-say unless we hear this directly from the person it is directly related to. Even then, you must take into account the need to assess levels of emotion and that person's reality for the clarity of truth.
It amazes me the lack of character some individuals have today in regard to fact verses fiction, truth verses gossip. There are those who simply don't involve themselves in the need or desire to hear about others lives, busy with their own. There are others who seem to thrive in knowing about others, and are sadly unashamed to share this with others, regardless of how it may affect the person they are talking about.
Take, for example, a person who listens and advises others who are going through a difficult time. This person, in turn, tells others about the misfortunes, and doesn't stop to think that maybe, just maybe, it would be hurtful if the person who sought advise ever found out. And it isn't really a matter of 'if' but 'when'. That level of betrayal, the level of trust that is destroyed may take a lifetime to restore, if it can ever truly be restored in the end. And when excuses are offered, such as "I don't want to get involved, though" when spilling the secrets of others, don't you think maybe you already have become involved by telling others? The fact you are sharing intimate details about someone else should be reason enough to stop. Saying you don't want to get involved is not a way to absolve yourself from betraying someone's trust. If anything, when saying those words you should take stock as to why you are saying it in the first place.
Take, for example, someone who thinks they know everything. They believe whatever they say is correct, and everyone should believe them. Yet, they do not check their facts. Something as simple as how long a business has been in operation or where someone was born should not be a source of issue. But when you incorrectly state this information to others, then offer a "Whatever" when asked, don't you think it may eventually lead to others not being able to rely on you, or take your word? It is one thing to share your opinion; quite another to spread incorrect information on a regular basis.
I am not completely innocent of this. I have been on both sides of the imaginary line in the sand. There have been times where I have shared something with another person that could have been hurtful. There have been times when I have misstated something, later having to recant my statement and apologize. This is not a post about how angelic I am, while those around me are simply not as wonderful as I am...I am not angelic, and will never claim to be. But that may be the difference between those who willingly share information about others, to others, verses those who can keep quiet about the pain someone else is going through. Having been on both sides, I can understand how hurtful it is when you feel betrayed. In keeping with that remembrance, I do try to not enter into gossip willingly. If information is shared, I usually keep the information to myself, and try to just forget. I have learned the hard way that information relayed by others is typically not the truth, rarely fact, and mostly gossip.
The information we hear should always be taken with a grain of salt. Especially when someone decides to start a sentence with "Did you hear...," "I don't want to get involved, but...," or "I'm not supposed to say anything but..." Because if those individuals are so willing to share someone else's developments with you, what makes you think they won't be as willing to share your own developments with others...
No comments:
Post a Comment