Gossip, Shoptalk, and Small Talk : Page 254

The truth is, a truly loving person can mention his friend's foibles in such a way, that, while it may make people smile, it will also make them like him more than ever. That is the great tact of the perfect conversationalist. Charles Lamb in his essay, "Imperfect Sympathies," reveals the right technique for doing this. He pretends to describe and castigate the shortcomings of the Scotch. He complains that a Scotchman's "conversation is as a book. His affirmations have the sanctity of an oath. . . . He stops a metaphor like a suspected person in an enemy's country," yet somehow with every new charge we like the Scotch better. That, in all seriousness, must be and is the effect of twitting when a greathearted Christian and good conversationalist indulges in it. If you can do that kind of twitting, you need not hesitate to do some of it. You would not mind that kind about yourself. For most people, however, it is safer to confine their gossipy comments about their absent neighbors and friends to ob-