TMI?

One topic I found fascinating was on self-disclosure. Communication is really one of the most important aspects of any relationship. We’ve all heard the phrase “Too much information” or TMI at some point. I like how the text differentiates between self-disclosures and certain statements about what you’re feeling. Making the distinction between telling someone something about you that’s personal, rather than sharing an opinion is important for both the sender and the receiver.

The suggestion about time and place for disclosure is also important. Telling someone that you’re allergic to peanuts while discussing a work project may not be the most appropriate time. Just like letting someone you’ve just met know that you snore loudly when you sleep might cause them to decide that you’re expectations for the relationship are a little premature.

The part about responding to disclosures was the one that I liked the best. It’s reminder that just because someone reveals something personal about themselves or shares a personal situation with you, they aren’t always looking for an answer externally. It’s also important to keep that in mind when you choose to disclose something to someone else. Choosing whom and how you disclose something should be done with how the receiver will react in mind as well. If you want support and understanding without advice, going to someone who tries to fix things may not be the correct avenue. Likewise, if someone comes to you with a situation or problem, it may be wise to probe a little into what they’re looking for in a response, especially if the topic or disclosure is of a serious or delicate nature.