The office kitchen is a very important place for people to relax a little, so don't come up with subjects that are too serious.

Choose light topics and show interest.

When talking about yourself, stay positive and breezy, no moaning.

The golden rule in dealing with office gossip is: Stay out of it - I'm not sure what you mean ...?

Taboo topics are religion, politics, illness, sex and money.

Get away by changing the subject or using an excuse.