Go sip

Living on a small island you are bound to come across people who may know people you know, especially with those networking sites out where information flows like it's a free for all. It is only natural that once you find out the connections between your friends or acquaintances that you'd want to mention of this fact, but beware because on such a small island, this can run interference. I've learned from living in Bermuda, to keep quiet about certain things and to let things run their course. I find that it works out better this way because what happens when you start talking about knowing so and so? People start talking & gossiping. Now I'm not adverse to gossip. Heck my mother and I gossip every so often - life's little pleasures. But it's different on a small island. What's weird is that at times, I come across a decent amount of information about people I know here, that I tend to be ignorant if I am asked about so and so's specifics. I find that works out better too. It's just best to stay away and play the I haven't a clue card. Perhaps the only person I gossip with about island life & folk is Hubby, and that doesn't even count because he got that 'need to know' status. It's like gathering up intel to later make the best decision or to avoid an awkward situation, when you're at a crossroad. Intel gathering is important - you never know when any sort of information may come in handy.

On the same note, ever wonder where the word Gossip originated from? Well here's how and where:

Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what was considered important to the people. Since there were no telephones, TV's or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs and bars who were told to "go sip some ale" and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. "you go sip here" and "you go sip there." The two words "go sip" were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and thus, we have the term "gossip."