AIBU - not to understand the frequent mention of 'outing'?

[FleecyMoo]

I am fairly new here and think I understand what is meant by 'outing' but maybe I don't since it seems to apply to so many posters. Surely you can't all be world famous celebs can you? Why is mentioning a partner's hobby considered 'outing' for instance? There are plenty of cyclists on the roads you know! If everyone who was scared of 'outing' had a unique hobby I for one would love to know what it was, purely for the entertainment value since it must be something that most other people would never have considered doing

It's more about worrying their friends or family will read about a situation they recognise, then search the op post history and find out their husband can't get an erection, they have money troubles, they secretly hate auntie joan and the op has a massive boil on her arse.

People overshare.

Perhaps other information in their posts could allow people to narrow it down to a level they’re not comfortable with?

It means if someone in real life recognises the poster.

It's not just cycling, it's their mention in that post and previous posts that they have 3 children, one with SN, last moved in 2013, got married in Vegas, etc. If I really wanted to I could probably find people I know on here!

Maybe people. Just like to anonymous ly. Chat and say things freely they don't want their Sister or neighbour knowing yes we all know that the hobby is cycling but perhaps the poster just doesn't want any body to know she is moaning about her husband.

Aha! Thanks, now I understand. I thought it was because the general readership might figure out who the poster was but I'd not thought about their friends and family being on here too. I feel silly now so thanks for explaining

I never understand why people don’t just lie. (I’m sure most do.)

You couldn’t piece together my life from my posts because the details aren’t accurate.

If I wanted to post something about my husband’s cycling obsession, I would refer to his constant jogging, football supporting or playing in a band, depending on what aspect of cycling concerned me.

If I was concerned about my son’s singing teacher, you would read about my daughter’s karate instructor.

Anyone who spills their actual factual full true life on here is nuts.

Sometimes people get focused on the "hobby" though, or at least the irrelevant bit you've lied about. If you lie and say it's football, lots of women get all eye-rolly whereas if it is in fact playing guitar you get a different response.

@hammeringinthehead My lie would be consistent with the context, though. I’m a good liar!

I do find that constant name changing a bit strange and OTT

Yes, the hobby... what IS IT?!?!?!