Your boss is often more inclined toward taking three-hour lunches and fighting on the phone with her kid than wrapping up those huge projects—and you and your colleagues are prone to gabbing about it. Could your Keurig-fueled convos land you in hot water? Possibly, says Callista Gould, a certified etiquette instructor in West Des Moines, IA. Her non-gossipy take:

The Pros
It’s delicious to dish titillating details about your boss’s life. Not only is the sharing of secret info fun, it can also build co-worker bonds. And studies have shown that gossiping can release an endorphin rush equal to exercising. It may also serve as a release for your pent-up resentment.

The Cons
Gossip can be toxic to the workplace. If you’re the one with loose lips, you can earn a bad office reputation—possibly preventing your future promotion. In fact, many companies fire employees for gossiping, especially if the talk is about high-level execs, discloses company secrets or is damaging to office morale.

The Action
Stop and think how you’d feel if someone were dishing about you. Then, the next time someone gabs about your boss, point out one of her positive qualities instead or walk away. Like or loathe her, you owe her loyalty and respect first. You may avoid being the next target of gossip—and you just might save your job.