Gossip Girls
Every Thursday night, the Sidetracked Sisters gather around the table to write. Our stories center on family memories, life lessons, and reflections about where we’ve come from and where we’re going. But before the pens hit the paper, there’s always a bit of catch-up time—a chance to share what’s been going on in our week.
Naturally, those conversations often drift to the people closest to us—our kids. And, well, not all of them are thrilled about that.
More times than I can count, I’ve been gently (or not-so-gently) scolded by my children for sharing things they felt should have stayed private. They don’t always understand my need to talk things through, to commiserate, and to connect with my fellow Sidetracked Sisters.
So now, I’ve made a new rule: if there’s something you don’t want shared, please let me know. I do my best to honor that boundary. It’s not always easy—sometimes I desperately want the advice, empathy, or just a knowing nod from my sisters. But I respect my kids’ wishes and do my best to keep their stories their own.
Still, it leaves me wondering…
When does sharing become too much?
Where’s the line between healthy venting and harmful gossip?
Maybe it’s this: it’s “sharing” if the news is positive, and “gossip” if it’s negative. That makes some sense to me. I wouldn’t mind if good news about me made the rounds. But when the messier stuff starts circulating—well, not so much.
As women, mothers, and storytellers, we walk a fine line. We want to process life together. We want to be real. But we also want to honor the privacy of those we love. For me, this is especially challenging—I’ve always craved my family’s acceptance and approval, whether it’s about the choices I’ve made, the direction I’m heading, or just the chaos of my daily life.
It’s something I continue to wrestle with.
But one thing’s for sure—if you don’t want your story told, don’t give it to a writer. Especially one with sisters, a blog, and a Thursday night tradition.
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