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There is a contrary to this, of course. For the thing than which there is nothing worse is to relay some unfavorable item you have heard. Even merely objective news which is unflattering should not be passed on. Never report such things for example as, "My neighbor told me your son flunked in algebra." To do so is twice as wrong as if you merely said, "Too bad your son flunked in algebra," for it arouses an active suspicion in your hearer that your neighbor goes about telling other uncomplimentary matters about him and his family. But the thing for which a millstone should be hanged about a person's neck to drown him in a deserted swimming pool reserved for lepers is the relaying of an uncomplimentary remark, some incidental criticism. Anyone who says, "Talking of you with John the other day, he happened to remark that your dancing is lousy/' or, "Your butcher happened to say that you are his cheapest customer" or "Mr. Stone was wondering how, with your salary, you could afford |
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