Social behaviours.

[OpalE]

Gossip is another one, and I have even tried in the past to steer clear of interacting with certain colleagues that like to begin a conversation complaining about another colleague. It's challenging to remain in unity when faced with a separation issue. I have replied with things like "well we are all raised in slightly different ways, maybe that has something to do with it?" To things like "Look, I simply do not enjoy talking about other folks behind their back. It's a personality clash and nothing more!" 

Arrrrgh! 

What would be a more balanced response to gossip? In this scenario seeing love in the moment would allow a more channelled or intuitive response, and what if that response is ignored? Are rhetorical suggestions helpful?

I don't know about more balanced, but i generally either: 1) find a way in my minds eye to make what is being complained about endearing or (if possible) 'cute' ... then voice it happily, or 2) ask the speaker a bunch of questions designed to dig out why the thing bothers them so much (without actually 'siding' with them), from a place of genuine interest and curiosity.

Works for me [usually].