You don’t always go to work for the work.
Sometimes you just show up for the tea.
Oh, you know what I’m talking about.
That whisper in the pantry.
That smug eye-roll when someone walks past in heels.
That fake smile that says,
“Hey hun, love your outfit”
and then turns into
“She probably got that raise because she’s loud, not smart.”
Welcome to the Judgment Circus, population: too damn many.
The Clowns Are Among Us
There’s always that one who starts the day with a cup of coffee and a shot of condemnation.
“Laila’s off again? But she’s always at some hipster café.”
“Roy’s dressing up again. Trying too hard for someone who replies emails like he’s allergic to keyboards.”
And let’s not forget the classic:
“How did Amir get promoted? Must be kissing someone’s behind.”
Listen, sweetheart...
It’s his life, his paycheck. Why are you sweating?
Spicy Gossip is the Office Espresso
It’s addictive. One sip and you’re hooked.
Even people who swore they “don’t get involved” are now forensic analysts.
“I didn’t see it, but my friend’s friend said she definitely… probably… maybe did it.”
Boom. Case closed.
True Story Time
We had a loud one — let’s call her “Kak Yah” (shoutout if you know one).
Her voice could break glass, probably made Alexa shut down once.
So Kak Yah’s yapping at the pantry about a junior staffer being “slow” at replying.
Plot twist:
That junior? Right behind her stirring Milo.
He goes:
“Kak, you emailed me at 5:59PM. I’m not a robot, I go home too, y’know?”
And just like that silence.
She went mute until Friday.
Sweet on the Surface, Toxic Underneath
The worst are the ones who hug you while holding a dagger.
“Ana’s nice. She’s just… always sick. I mean, I wouldn’t say anything, but it’s kind of unprofessional.”
Then guess who volunteers Ana’s name in the meeting when "team commitment" comes up?
Yeah. That fake sugar turns sour real fast.
Islam Says: NOPE.
Now let’s talk real.
Islam didn’t just tell us not to gossip — it made it a sin.
“Don’t mock each other. That person you’re dragging might actually be better than you.”
(Al-Hujurat: 11)
And the banger:
“Would you like to eat your dead brother’s flesh? That’s what backbiting is like.”
(Al-Hujurat: 12)
Yeah. That’s how nasty it is.
You gossip, you chew dead flesh. Bon appétit, zombie.
Science Says: You’re Not That Deep, Karen.
Why do people love this toxic parade?
Here’s what science says:
1. Low Self-Esteem
If you don’t feel good enough, it’s easier to pull others down than lift yourself up.
2. Dopamine Hit
Yup, judging others gives a quick rush. That “better than you” feeling is chemically addictive.
3. Brain on Autopilot
Your amygdala (emotional brain) is running the show.
Your prefrontal cortex (logic, empathy) is probably sleeping on the job.
4. Narcissism
You think you’re the main character.
Spoiler: You’re not even on the call sheet.
.................
This culture doesn’t just kill vibes — it murders potential.
People stay quiet.
They stop trying.
They walk on eggshells, waiting for someone to blast them for one honest mistake.
And guess who wins?
Not the hardworking ones.
But the loudest, smoothest talkers who know how to spin.
Here's a Thought:
Instead of,
“Who can I drag today?”
Try,
“Who needs someone to have their back today?”
Maybe they’re holding back tears.
Maybe they’re pushing through anxiety, a sick parent, a toxic home.
But sure, let’s roast them for not replying to a WhatsApp message fast enough.
Clean It Up, Babe.
The workplace doesn’t have to feel like an emotional Hunger Games.
We can be kind and still be real.
That tired smile someone gives when the day ends?
Sometimes it’s not because work’s done it’s relief that they survived your judgment.
So before you open your mouth to “just say something”, ask yourself:
“Is this helpful or am I just being another walking red flag?”
Final Word from Your Inner:
You're allowed to not care about everyone’s flaws.
You’re allowed to be a soft rebel, who minds their own damn business and helps people rise.
Because the world doesn’t need more critics.
It needs more real, raw, kind humans.
And maybe, just maybe…
You can be that human...
