Conversational boundaries

It’s awfully quiet in my house right now.  Scope should be at Churchill Downs by now.  She sounded very excited when I spoke with her this morning.  It’s their first real vacation in a long time. I hope they enjoy themselves but I don’t want to hear all about it if you know what I mean (nudge nudge wink wink, say no more)

An older woman athet library felt the need to tell me yesterday that her sex life is still quite healthy. Good for her. I guess when you’re in your 80’s that’s something to be thrilled about. But I’m not sure why she felt the need to tell me* about it.  Although I can write hot, I don’t want to know details about other people’s lives.  There’s a huge ick factor there for me*.  Some things should stay private and between the involved parties. I feel intrusive and awkward hearing certain information.

There are a lot of things I don’t want to know about other people.  Personal body functions are high on the list.  Sexual preferences and activities. The entire day’s food consumption(unless it involves a recommendation or dessert). Personal financial statement.  Anything that may lead to them being the lead story on the Evening News.

There are exceptions to all of the above and I don’t know what they are until they come up. Close friends and CBs can always share with me*.  Vent, rant, rail, commiserate, meditate and analyze.  There are times when anyone of those can lead to a life-changing decision or action.  I’d hate to let my personal squeamishness get in the way. 

Do you have any boundaries when it comes to conversation and personal sharing?

100 comments August 13th, 2008