Communication: We Don’t Need Another “Tell All”

As my mother once told me, there are some things better left unsaid.  As I participate in social media, and life in general, I find this to be true.  Now, I’m all for sharing a bit of personal information here and there.  After all, this is the way you make connections with people who have similar interests or views.  And this is also a good way to strengthen relationships once you start talking with someone.  But, at some point, people can begin to share too much.

In the last 24 hours I’ve heard stories of people sharing all the personal details of their relationship troubles on FaceBook and had a casual acquaintance tell me far too much about her personal life.  This morning, I woke up to read that actress Barbara Eden of ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ fame is publishing a “tell all” book about her failed marriages, her son who died of a drug overdose, and other extremely personal stories.  To this I say ENOUGH!

The world does not need another “tell all”.

It’s time to go back to reigning things in a bit and employ some of the golden rules of communication:

• Do not disparage other people publicly- Doing this will ultimately reflect negatively on you.  If you have problems with someone, do not put it in writing anywhere.  That means no “tell all” book, social media site, e-mail.  Nothing.  I know everyone needs to vent now and then, but do that verbally with a trusted friend.
• Keep some information to yourself- This goes hand-in-hand with the first tip.  There are very few people with whom you need to share stories of your arguments, failed relationships, arrests, health problems (in detail), etc.  Again, find a friend or family member you trust and tell them.  Don’t post these stories anywhere.
• Speak positively about others- Karma, baby.
• Thank others and be gracious–  Recognize people who enrich your life by supporting you and helping shine a positive light on you.  They are the greatest gift.

So, do you have any tips to add of how people can improve the way they portray themselves?  I know you do, so be sure to share it in the comments.