Work colleague gossiping

[WorkPeople]

I generally keep to myself at work, not intentionally, but because I'm juggling my three kids and find work to be pretty demanding. I was added to a WhatsApp group recently, and I politely explained that I can't always meet up due to my commitments - this is Just to provide some context.

I always make sure to say hello when I see my colleagues (since I mostly work in the classroom at the school). A few weeks ago, I had an issue with another colleague that left me feeling upset. One of the women who had invited me out was there, so I vented to her a bit. I thought that would be the end of it, but today, while casually chatting, she told me that another colleague had an “issue” with the same person I did. She then went on to say that she’d shared the details of my personal situation with this colleague.

I was honestly shocked that she felt the need to talk about something so private, especially when it wasn't even a big deal to begin with. I always keep things that colleagues tell me to myself. I did mention to her that she should be careful about sharing personal things, but she just shrugged it off. Am I overreacting, or is my instinct telling me that I shouldn’t talk to them at all?

I was honestly shocked that she felt the need to talk about something so private

Sorry, this is on you. You were bitching about one work colleague to another. This sort of thing always comes out. It would be nice if people didn't talk about other people, but they do. You did.

Once you tell something to even one other person, it’s not a secret anymore and is out of your control. Disappointing behaviour from her, but she clearly sees no problem with it. Lesson learned.

Hi op I do school bus. I learnt just keep it polite at work as my friend says they just colleagues. I learnt hard way two years ago my friend had a nasty fallout. She said things back I told her privately. Lesson learnt say nothing. Find schools bit gossipy

Yes, this is on you, OP. If you don't want other people sharing things you've told them, either be very careful about who you choose and, having chosen someone you know is discreet and truthworthy, specifically tell them not to repeat it OR keep it to yourself.

If you didnt want other people gossiping, you should of kept it to yourself.

Unfortunately in my experience, if you 'vent' (complain) about a colleague to another colleague, these things have a way of spreading like wildfire. In future keep it to yourself at work and vent to your friends and family!

I think in such circumstances, the onus is on you to say 'I hope its OK but can you please keep that fir yourself, I'm not comfortable with others knowing about my feelings'.

If you don't, its open to considering okay to share.