An Honest Question About Gossip

A while ago, I wrote this post about getting together about my girlfriends and how, occasionally, we have the bad habit of sometimes talking about 'the one who isn't there'.

Recently, my friend Jeannine (who is responsible for the 'someecards kick' this blog has been on) sent out an email to our group of girlfriends saying 'this made me think of our group of girls'.  My friend Laura replied 'Wow, this is sad.  Or is it normal?'

That is what I am wondering.  I'd love to pretend I'm innocent of talking about my girlfriends behind their back.  I am not.  It's not malicious.  Sometimes it's out of concern.  Or, at the very least, in 'harmless', goodnatured fun.  Is this the standard amongst all groups of girlfriends?  Is it that every group, on occasion, gossips about each other behind one's back?  Is this, in part, 'not being a good friend'?  Is anyone immune to the gossip bug?  Your thoughts?