As I grew up, although I didn't know this term, I have come to believe that in the Eastern European art of the conversation gossip occupies a definitely important role and it is not seen as a bad thing at all, but just as something that people do when they get together. Have you ever followed any lines of conversation in which the people around you have been engaged? They mostly divide in 3 categories:

1. One upping
2. Friend news and analysis
3. Educational growth

99% of the time I find that category 1 or 2 are the order of the day. One friend describes what he or she has done and the other friend in turn describes what he or she has done that is similar but better than what the first person experienced, purchased, built, lost, etc. When the conversation based on category 1 comes to an end is usually because one of the friends could not find anything in personal experience to "one up" and therefore "called a friend," to help "one up," and now in turn the conversation becomes about the friend, especially if it is a common friend. During the conversation an intense analysis of his or her strengths and weaknesses is unfolded until the discussion is redirected toward someone else or the two part ways.

There are those times as well when the two engage in conversation about some deeper spiritual truth or educational experience that betters them both.

These are not just patterns identified in the non-believing circles of society but right inside church fellowships as well. The technical terms by which these unfold are different, of course. They start with an expression of love and affection toward the person who becomes that subject of discussion and out of love comes the expression of different concerns that may or may not become gossip. How do we tell? Feel free to join the conversation...