"I probably shouldn't say this . . ."
I read something yesterday that started like this, "I probably shouldn't say this . . .", and my first thought was -- Then don't! I don't care what it's about, if you think you shouldn't say it, you're right, you shouldn't!
How often do you find yourself sharing a thought that really didn't need to be shared? If you feel it's necessary to begin any sentence with that line, you need to check yourself. Do you feel uttering that phrase gives you a pass to say whatever you want? Are you using it as an excuse to comment on something or someone you have no business commenting on?
When I hear someone use that line I'm pretty confident that what they're about to share is gossip. I deplore gossip, it's ugly and unnecessary -- and often hurtful.
I've seen gossip destroy a business and almost destroy the person who owned that business. I've seen families torn apart by gossip: All because someone who shouldn't have said it, went ahead and said it.
No one benefits from gossip -- well, maybe The National Enquirer, but I don't think they count. Sharing or participating in gossip is a waste of time and 
energy. Time and energy, that could be better used in a thousand different ways. And don't think you're in the clear if you didn't start it. When you listen to it you're just as guilty as the one who said it. As my assistant says, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." If someone starts to gossip, tell them you don't want to hear it or just walk away. Nip it in the bud.
We all have opinions. Some are more valid than others. Not every thought or opinion we have needs to see the light of day -- sometimes they need to stay right where they are, in our heads.
If you think you shouldn't say it, you're right, you shouldn't. So . . . DON'T!!!
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