The Truth is, gossip can be quite painful
taken from Dear Abby in the Wall Street Journal

Nobody's Friend

My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice.

I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. 
I'm nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:
Is it true? Is it harmless? Is it necessary?
If it isn't, don't repeat it.