Honor The Absent

I am reminded that when I avoid gossip I am accomplishing at least two things.  One, I am putting the damper on false pride, that is, I am better than whoever is the topic of gossip.  Two, I am honoring the absent.  Some of the same people I honor when I am with them, I dishonor when away from them.  And why do I think that my gossip type opinions are correct anyway?  Why do I have to feel better about me by gossiping about someone else?  None of this is healthy or productive.  Could this be an eleventh commandment: Honor Thy Absent Person?  Working on it.