Rumors Are Allot More Damaging In The Real World

Thinking back to my high school days I recall a few rumors that were spread about me that at the time seemed like the end of the world. But in retrospect they really had no baring on who I became when I graduated and here, 10 years later, didn't really matter. However now that I'm grown I've come to realize that the rumor mill can have a much more detrimental impact on your life, your livelihood and your wallet.

Being called a lesbian in high school seemed like the end of the world, but thinking about it now, it wasn't. Nowadays though a rumor, especially one started at my workplace could cost me my job and seriously ruin my reputation throughout the entire profession. By the way, no one at work is calling me a lesbian, lol.

My company always starts its meetings out by reciting the company policy and a cute little reminder that rumors can destroy someone. "Is it truth or hearsay?" And I never really got it until I was the target of the rumor mill.

Once I got hurt at work and spent about 6 weeks doing what they like to call 'light duty'. I got to go to work, but I didn't get to do what I was trained to do. I did meaningless, boring paperwork and nearly lost my sanity. But when I was placed with other co-workers for the sole purpose of elevating my boredom I was labelled a snitch, a spy, a brown-noser. No one wanted to be within 30 feet of me, let alone talk to me about anything, personal or business related in fear that what they said would get back to the boss. It was hurtful. Rumors had spread that the only reason I was spending extended periods of time with my co-workers was because I was there to dig up dirt. NOT TRUE, but it seriously hurt my reputation. Even to this day some people still won't talk to me about much.

What I learned though was the reason why my job stressed the importance of NOT spreading rumors. How someone's insecurities and misinterpretations, just like in high school, could ruin your reputation for a long time, if not forever.

Ironically growing up our parents always say things like 'don't talk about people behind their back, don't gossip, be careful what you say and how you say it' and yet even as adults some people still haven't learned how to put those lessons into the context of their everyday lives.

The lesson here is its not cool to gossip in high school, but it is really not cool to gossip in the real world. Talking about someone behind their back can ruin their lives if something you say is misinterpreted by someone else or if what you say gets to the ears of someone that was never meant to hear it. Rumors may seem funny, but in the long run they can hurt someone. Respect others and hope they can control themselves enough to do the same.