Social behaviours.

[Infinite Unity]

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].  

That's a nice way to do things. Not actually being bias or judgemental, At the same time of helping them "dig" that stuff out! I think that sounds like service to me. Especially since your not validating the negative input from them, in the scenario. I think back and find myself, in the past, wanting to help people, or thinking it wrong to side with them.Though sometimes I would make a comment half heartdly, or agree. In many cases I would do it just to avoid confrontation, However I can certainly see how that could be disservice to someone. I really like how you view it in your minds eye first, and then move into trying to help the person.