What’s more, not one enjoys being called a gossip, for that often means that you are accused of speaking disrespectfully. But there is something more to gossip than harmful speech. Gossip can be seen more neutrally, as in the idle chatter about trivial things. This is nothing more than chitchat that promotes bonding in small groups. It is a necessary part of human relations, not so different than the mutual picking of nits by chimpanzees.
Gossip can also be viewed more positively. Good friends talk about other people. It is in that discussion that they compare their own standards, their own values and their own behavior to that of others. This is a good thing, when done properly.