Because we have a social or public image we usually display. When we have that sudden realization that such an image or identity *can* be criticized, often in ways we cannot control - we suddenly realize faults. These are not imagined faults since people are literally saying it, causing a feeling akin to a breaking of trust (social trust), or invasion of privacy (spatial trust). We often don't take the moment to step back and realize that criticism should be taken constructively, even when it is surprising to us or even hurtful. Constructively can also mean simply throwing it out and forgetting about it. But since we, here in America, seem to value our identity so highly, we don't always enjoy the gossip discovery moment. This is all of course assuming that the gossip in question is legitimate. The next question would be: how to decide what is legitimate gossip?