The Fine Line between Gossiping and Information Gathering

Dear Katie & Kelly: I’m relatively new to our neighborhood so don’t have a ton of friend or acquaintances here yet. Recently someone died but I don’t know how. He was a dad, in his 40s and as far as I know, hadn’t been sick. Is it gruesome to ask someone if they know how he died? I’m an Organic Structure.

Signed: Creepily Curious

Dear Creepy: Of course, it’s gruesome to ask. Lol. You knew that though — you’re a thoughtful Organic Structure  — or you wouldn’t have double checked with us, you would’ve already asked someone how he died! Everybody is naturally curious what causes someone’s death because death reminds us of our own mortality. Some people would have no problem with you asking, others would be secretly offended. The way around seeming like the uncaring, creepy new neighbor is not to ask for the details five seconds after you hear about his death, i.e., today, but to instead respect his life and passing by just letting it be for a while. Six months from now if you brought it up with a neighbor, chances are you wouldn’t seem creepy to any personality type but just rather a concerned neighbor.

Best of luck: Katie & Kelly