RUMORS
“You won’t believe this!”
This expression usually accompanies a profound statement about someone, or an event of astronomical proportions. The person making the statement is confident that they are the first to relate the story to you.
Usually, this allegation is proceeded by “Let me tell you about this;” “Hey, did you hear about?” or “I just found out about this!” If what is being revealed is true, then why shouldn’t I believe it? On the other hand, if the event is simply a rumor; why bother repeating it?
Most rumors begin with simple, sometimes meaningless, statements made during a conversation between two or more individuals. Then, with each telling, the story becomes more graphic and the final outcome can very well sound unbelievable. To illustrate; lets assume Fred and Joe are conversing.
Joe: “Did you hear about the Preacher arising at 5:00 A.M. and his wife slept until 6:30 A.M.?”
Fred then relates the story to Jim, “I heard that the Preacher beat his wife up.” Jim’s version as told to Bill, “The Preacher and his wife had a big fight.” Bill’s rendition to Mary, “Jim told me that the Preacher broke his wife’s nose.” “Mary calls Jane, “I hope the Preacher’s wife will be able to walk with that cast on her leg.” Jane tells Margaret, “Poor thing. I heard that she is bruised all over her body as a result of their big fight.” Margaret calls Ned, “Have you heard when the Preacher’s wife will get out of the hospital?” Ned tells Alex, “I understand that the Preacher’s wife only has a few more days left.” Alex calls the Preacher, “You have my deepest sympathy; is there anything that I can do for you?”
The Preacher replies: “Yes; Please don’t wake my wife. She sleeps until 6:30, you know.”
Exaggerated? Sure, but you can readily see how a simple statement can get completely out of hand. We must consider carefully, anything we say that could possibly be understood in a different context. If a rumor is left to intensify, the end result could cause serious damage to someone.
We would be wise to refrain from repeating any undocumented statements about either friends or foes. Such as…..
Dj. - “According to my sources, The Wife was the one who beat the Preacher up, AND, the funeral is Thursday.”
Demijon
“Don’t you breathe a word of this, but I heard…”
