Commentary
Imagine rooting for people
From where I'm sitting, gossip isn't something that happens occasionally. I don't remember many compliments. I do remember commentary on things like:
A new haircut.
The clothes someone wore.
The music they liked.
Tattoo.
Weight.
Job.
Beliefs.
Their parenting.
Failing at something.
Trying something ambitious.
Nothing was off limits. Asked for, or not... usually not.
I hear how everyone is talked about. Family. Friends. Neighbors. Even the kids are compared.
Which cousin is doing better?
Which sibling is smarter?
Who makes the better choices?
Who cooks the best?
Who has the cutest baby?
Which spouse is the favorite?
It's almost like there's an invisible scoreboard where individuality costs you points.
So I filter myself…
But lately, I often find myself wondering what people get out of only ever being negative.