Tell me about yourself... but not too much! How much heart-to-heart is too much?
Communication experts have found that relational satisfaction is greatest at moderate levels of disclosure -- when we are semi-transparent but not completely see-through.
They say we tend to overestimate how much we open up to others. We may think we're giving people a door to our soul, when it's really more like a peephole.
The solution: discriminating disclosure. What does that look like?
- When someone shares something, reciprocate by sharing about yourself.
- Take calculated risks.
- Share a balance of positive and negative information.
And remember, even the closest relationships aren't characterized by a constant exchange of intimate details. Most talk is about every day stuff.
Originally published in Women Today Magazine. Used with permission.
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