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by Stacy WiebeHow much heart-to-heart communication 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.
On the other hand, experts 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. 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 everyday stuff.
Stacy Wiebe is the editor of Christian Women Today. She has a BA in communications from Trinity Western University and loves talking about good books, other cultures, and most recently, babies!
© Women Today Magazine, 1995
