...Say What?

Do you ever wonder why people tell you things that you may not want to hear? I’ve been questioning this phenomenon lately, since it happens to me often. Many would say that it’s because you have a kind face, a sympathetic ear and appear trustworthy. This may all be true, but with those credentials, does it warrant for others to share their dark tales and deep secrets to virtual strangers? Is there safety within anonymity? Baring their soul(s), as the confidante, are you a friend now?

Imagine my shock, while sitting with an acquaintance during a barbecue, he announces that he has one testicle. The conversation did not warrant bearing one’s soul but he felt the need, as he says, to be “honest and wanted me to get to know him better”. Uum, ok. Or how about during phone call with a colleague today, she blurts out the night before random meeting of an old boyfriend she hadn’t seen in 20 years. She share details that I didn't want to particularly want to hear.

The stories vary from the ridiculous to scary, but each participant tells it with such passion. I often look around my neck to see if I have a collar (sainthood should be just around the corner). I ask friends do they experience this kind bizarre storytelling. Each one shakes their heads, giggling...knowing that I'm the rare exception. Well, at least I have stories to share, names withheld to protect the innocent!