Pay attention next time you're in a conversation. Like really pay attention. 90% of it is gossip about other people.
That's how conversations flow. That's what keeps them alive. Because unless you've got a list of achievements or some big news to share, there's really not that much to say about yourself. And even if you do, you don't want to be too personal — because the second you open up about your own life, you become the next topic when you leave the room. So you stay surface level. You talk about other people instead. It's safer.
Now there's bad gossip and good gossip. Good gossip is "did you hear so and so got engaged?" or "I'm so happy for them, they finally got that job." Bad gossip is the other kind. Tearing people down. Talking about their struggles like it's entertainment. Pointing out their flaws to make yourself feel better.
I'm not saying I'm perfect either. Sometimes I catch myself doing the bad kind. And when I do, I feel guilty. I have to stop and check myself. Like why am I even bringing this up? Does it serve anything?
But some people don't feel guilty at all. It's just their nature. They love talking about other people's suffering. Love hearing how someone else is failing. Love comparing themselves and coming out on top. It makes them feel better about their own lives. They feed on it.
It's a weird thing about humans. We talk about each other constantly because it's easier than looking at ourselves.
Life's weird huh.