Thursday, June 5, 2008

Shut Me Up!

Tonight I was invited to meet friends for dinner tomorrow. Instead of politely thanking them for the invite and just saying I couldn't go, I went on and on about how we are on a budget. "I can't go to dinner because we went to dinner last night and we only allocate a certain amount of funds for the month......blah, blah, blah." Do they really care? No. They needed a polite "Sorry I can't go. Thanks for inviting me."


Last night a friend asked my mom was feeling. Once again, I offered her too much information and on and on I went. I got into her past history of the auto-immune disease. I continued with a detailed play by play of the past few months and ended with a not so quick description of the last few weeks. Once again, a simple "She's doing better" would have answered the question.


I know better. As children, we were encouraged to keep certain things private about our family. My dad is very private about money. He would say "There are certain things that you keep private." Sorry Dad. I am really struggling with it. I know my friends don't need to hear every detail about my life. There should be some things about me that I don't share. The weird thing is that when I write, I can keep a lot private. There are so many things that I'd love to write about but cannot. I don't struggle with the line. But, just get me talking and I will tell you everything you never wanted to know.

10 comments:

Someone Being Me said...

I have the same problem. I called to cancel a service yesterday and the customer service rep asked why and I told her how we couldn't afford it anymore, etc. Probably TMI for a question she is required to ask but it did keep her from trying to get me to keep the service like a lot of people do when you try to cancel.

CanadianMama said...

I am totally the same. Mike always tells me that I share too much. The other day I caught myself telling my inlaws about my recent bowel issues!

kari and kijsa said...

Same here...however, sometimes it is so refreshing to meet someone who is honest and open...that way your friends knew it wasn't them, and that you had a great reason!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Anonymous said...

I am the exact same way. It just flows out too easily. Then I'm mad at myself for telling so much info. But, if I'm supposed to keep a secret, it will go to my grave with me.

Rhea said...

Goodness, you're chatty lately! I don't like to share lots of personal info to people, so I don't usually have this problem. You're cracking me up though. lol

Amy said...

I don't know how many times I have second guessed conversations feeling like I offered too much information.

I'm trying to learn how to not beat up on myself too much. It's hard.

Genny said...

Your post made me laugh... I'm the type of person who calls and leaves a marathon message on your answering machine. I'm working on it!

KG said...

I must be the entire opposite! I keep everything on the DL . . . and NEVER ask anybody for help with anything. I don't know which is worse!

Mandy said...

That's my problem as well. I can keep secrets forever. In high school, even now, people can confide in me. But I end up telling everything about myself. Sometimes I try to justify it by saying that I'm just outspoken and completely honest, but what does that have to do with what color underwear I wore that day, ya know?? Ha-ha!! That honestly has to be somewhat the worst quality in myself. I have to learn when enough's enough. My Mom tells me it's a generation thing. She tries to curtail my "spillage" all the time. Oh yeah, and my hubby is the same way. I nick named him Chatty Cathy. :)

Momo Fali said...

I always feel better after sharing! Sometimes, it's just good to vent.

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