The Gossip Girl's Guide
08/03/08 5:00 PM
How to talk trash without looking like a mean girl.

We're all guilty of spreading hot goss. When we've got a juicy (and oh-so-scandalous!) story, we're itching to pass it along. But did you know research shows that sharing a wicked story or two with a friend or coworker really does bring you closer? (See -- even scientists say you should do it.) It goes without saying that no one likes the mean girl with the nasty yapper, so here's our guide to dishing dirt without trashing your rep.
Not all hook-ups are the same! Here's what the experts are calling your naughty ways.
Parents may think hooking up is hanging out, but we know better. It's definitely girl on boy contact. But what is it really? Does hooking-up mean sex or just a really great make-out session? Tell us how you define hooking-up. And explain why ladies are so vague?
If there is anything to learn from Karen's story, it's that sexual predators will go so far as to take pictures up your skirt, even in public. If you ever feel threatened, follow these guidelines to show that you will not be victimized.
Some black women feel that light skinned women have it easier. Do you feel that way too? What about white women who have fair or medium skin, or Latin ladies who have a dark olive skin tone? Do you think skin tone plays a role in every race? 
