Another question to ask, with regards to launching into unprompted explanations of one’s personal life, is whether the other person actually wants that information. Like it or not, most people subscribe to the Copenhagen Interpretation of Ethics, which means by telling people of your problems, you are implicitly making it their problem (else why would you bother sharing?).
If I said, “Hi, how are you,” and your response was a 5-minute long explanation of how your aunt died, your car broke down and how your dog needs surgery, my reaction will be awkward silence, not because I have no sympathy for your plight, but because I am wondering whether there is any obligation for me to step in and help.
Another question to ask, with regards to launching into unprompted explanations of one’s personal life, is whether the other person actually wants that information. Like it or not, most people subscribe to the Copenhagen Interpretation of Ethics, which means by telling people of your problems, you are implicitly making it their problem (else why would you bother sharing?).
If I said, “Hi, how are you,” and your response was a 5-minute long explanation of how your aunt died, your car broke down and how your dog needs surgery, my reaction will be awkward silence, not because I have no sympathy for your plight, but because I am wondering whether there is any obligation for me to step in and help.