That other people often make things worse?

[JamSandle]

The big advice at the moment seems to be to talk about your problems. Be more open at work, with friends and just in general.

When this works well it's amazing. If you have a great boss (I'm fortunate in that regard) but ive often found that whether they mean to or not, many people make things worse.

I dont think many people are great listeners. They will launch in with advice for example which is often not what someone needs in the first instance. This can be well meaning but leave someone feeling unlistened to.

A lot of people seem to only want to know what's going on from a misery loves company perspective or for some gossip.

I remember my parents telling me that they kept a lot of things they dealt with private. They'd talk to each other but not tell the world because it can exacerbate the problems.

I'm very open but lately I've found myself holding back on telling people certain things...problems, goals, dreams, so as to protect them. I wonder if its because I'm getting older and realising the value of privacy more and more.

Yabu: talking helps
Yanbu: keeping things private can help a lot

I agree with you. Over the pandemic I overshared in a Whatsapp group, and it came back to bite me. Cutting down on the sharing now.

What I have found is that if you appear to be happy on social media, people think that your life is perfect. Also, these days everyone is engaged in a game of " I have it worse than you."

It really depends on who you’re talking to

My mantra: a problem shared is a problem doubled. I totally agree with you!

Agree but I think most people these days have compassion fatigue given the last 3 years. I do share everything with my sister and mum.

Therapy didn't work for me either. It made me sadder to talk about stuff that has no solution endlessly. Also way too expensive. I used the money to go to the West End and feel far better. Sometimes too much navelgazing is counterproductive. As Harry demonstrates.

Yes. If you don’t want your business being picked over or ridiculed keep it to yourself. Especially in the workplace.

Yes. I work with lots of lovely people but I hear the odd one gossiping about other colleagues. Even though they're all perfectly lovely nice people. Even if not meant maliciously gossip seems to get people through the day sometimes.