Petty Squabbling

Why is it (that a lot of my posts start like this?!) that men are worse gossips, and more inclined to be bitchy that us women, once they've got a few pints down their necks, or smoked a few too many?

One particular example of this has been brought to my attention today. A friend of mine has been the victim of almost persecution by this one particular man who, not only has seen fit to broadcast his own feelings amongst other friends and acquaintances, but has also accused her of things she hasn't done. The worst part of it is that it is almost like Chinese whispers. This person said this, this person said that...petty and childish.

Part of the problem is that I am friends with both of them. My friend has had a tough time this year, and needs this particular problem like she needs a bad case of dysentery (ie. not at all). The other friend, who quite frankly at his age should know better, should have the courage to confront her face to face with whatever the hell his problem is.

If only people were a little more honest - to themselves, as well as to others. Then, just perhaps, they would be able to talk to people, to articulate what their problem is, and to perhaps find some common ground and compromise.

Then we wouldn't have had the scenario tonight of having a friend needing a shoulder to cry on. Not that I begrudge the shoulder, obviously, because I don't...that's what friends are there for - the good times and the bad. What upsets me, is that it was necessary in the first place.