The tea is piping hot.
There’s no denying that everyone loves a good gossip sesh. And it turns out — spilling the tea to a friend is actually good for your mental health.
Sure, gabbing gets a bad rep, as it’s usually viewed as rude or impolite.
However, it’s also considered a relatively healthy way to socially bond with other people, according to Dr. Charles Sweet, medical advisor at Linear Health and a board-certified psychiatrist.
Sweet told Newsweek that a little tittle-tattle here and there does a person good.
Experts said that as long as it’s not done with ill intent — gossip can also be used as a tactic to look out for one another.
Alexandra Hoerr, licensed clinical therapist, agreed, telling Newsweek: “I see this a lot in the dating world where women will talk to other women about scenarios as a way to keep each other safe or informed about potentially dangerous or harmful situations.”
“In these circumstances, the gossip isn’t malicious but more of a heads up about something they’ve noticed to stop others from having to go through it as well.”
Bonding over shared information can also build trust, according to a study.
In addition to the trust and liking for a person that gossiping builds, it also serves as an emotional release. Getting off the phone with a friend and feeling like a weight was lifted off your shoulders is an unmatched feeling.
“Being heard and seen is a big mental health benefit of gossip. If something’s really weighing on you and you’re able to speak it out loud with people who are listening, that is going to reduce some of the stress in your body,” said Hoerr.
I’m the first one to admit when I see someone post about something on social media that I personally don’t agree with — I’ll dish to my mom or a close friend about it.
Sweet said in the interview that people, such as myself, do this because “In a way, gossip is a chance to evaluate your own values, choices, and behaviors based on what is gossiped about.”
“Gossip can be harmful when it’s used to exclude others, spread misinformation, or make someone look bad. But in its basic form, it’s a fundamental part of communication. When used productively, gossiping can help us learn, connect, and protect ourselves.”
Read the full article here
