Rumours can run rampant in a small community, especially if the story is intriguing to everyone. And when it comes to a story worth sharing, the more gruesome and taboo it is the better.

A good rumour has it all – mystery, crime, adultery and death. Of course, how much of a rumour can we really believe?

People are not obligated to tell the truth where rumours are concerned. In fact, adding a little “spice” to a well-circulated rumour is common practice.

Once a rumour has been spread enough times it becomes difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. A well-known rumour may even be accepted as fact if it has been heard enough times. And whether or not the rumour is true, it can be hard to sway public opinion after a while. People are inclined to believe what they hear from their friends and neighbours, especially if it is the same thing that everyone else is saying.

Stories can get completely mangled on their way through the grape vine. Our greatest challenge is determining what to believe and what to disregard as pure nonsense.

I have never paid much attention to rumours. I must deal with facts in my line of work, which tends to make rumours more of a hindrance than anything. Rumours tend to blur the lines of reality, making it difficult for the truth to come out.

We can never really know how much to believe when it comes to rumours. And whether the story was heard first-hand or third-hand we can’t be sure who is telling the truth or how many people have added their own spin to the story as they passed it along.

If and when the truth about a particular rumour is revealed, our curiosity will usually dwindle. Until then, be mindful of which rumours you help spread, they could be needlessly hurtful or, even worse, a big, fat lie!