Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #7 — Oversharing

Picture: Counsel #7 — Oversharing CR 9.1

Be careful and cautious when sharing personal information — like marital issues, family problems financial difficulties, etc. — with your peers, especially if they are not close friends. Oversharing can make acquaintances uncomfortable and discourage them from socializing with you in the future.^[7] Also, keep in mind the possibility that what you share may be passed on to someone else. CR 9.2

In the same way, don’t encourage your peers to confide in you when they should only be talking with a pastor, licensed therapist, counselor, or God. Don’t assume a role that isn’t yours. CR 9.3

“He [or she] that guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3 NKJV CR 9.4

“When you are associated with one another, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need to repent of it.” Ellen White in Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1904 CR 9.5

Reflect: Do you struggle with oversharing personal information with your peers? How can you break that habit? Who else can you start confiding in? CR 9.6