Sharing is one of the first things we learned as kids, but as adults, we’ve become (over)sharing monsters. Whether it’s on social media or in real life, we constantly volunteer what’s happened to us, how we feel about it and what we ate that day, whether or not anybody cares.
In a world of TMI, maintaining mystery is an underrated art form. There are advantages to not putting everything out there, and Too Little Information (TLI) can be the best course of action in many situations.
1. When Dating Online
Tinder revolutionized internet dating because its founders realized that no one cared about the information-packed surveys on sites like OkCupid. Tinder streamlined it to one simple subject: Do you want to put your face against this face? Good, no further questions.
Related: TMI – When Bathroom Small Talk Gets Awkward
2. When Regular Dating
The same, under-sharing approach to dating offline can make you seem more attractive by allowing people to warm up to you gradually. As long as you don’t come off as a shady creep, TLI will show restraint and keeps a potential partner wanting more. I asked about your relationship with pizza, dude, not your relationship with your mother.
3. When At Work
Even if you love what you do and have friends at work, exchanging too much personal information can get in the way of your professional progress and performance. Just because they asked about your weekend doesn’t mean they hired you to hear about your relationship drama. Have better boundaries and a secret place to cry.
4. When Someone Is Angry
Think about the last time you were heated over an unexpected discovery. Did more information help calm you down or fuel your fire? Ignorance is not bliss, but keep it simple and stick to the basic facts when attempting to deescalate conflict.
5. When You’re Sick
We’ve all been there, but you’ll get more sympathy when you’re not disgusting the rest of us with details. Your verbal diarrhea is worse than the kind we want you to shut up about. We’re not your doctor and don’t need any intricate description, like at all.
Related: TMI – This Job Interview Will Make You Laugh (And Cringe)
6. When Ordering A Drink
Your bartender may seem like a great therapist, but here’s the thing: Therapists get paid better and don’t kick you out when you start crying. Even if you’re a regular, telling the bartender everything isn’t the best way to get on his or her good side; it is a great way to get cut off.
7. When Not Telling The Truth
If you’re giving too many details when trying to hide something, you’re also giving yourself away. “Falsifiability heuristic” is the effect of providing too much information when lying. Dishonesty usually isn’t the best policy, but if you have to tell a white lie, compose it like a tweet: 140 characters or less.
8. When You Have A Police Encounter
You have the right to TLI, otherwise known as the Fifth Amendment. Know your rights and how to protect them.
9. When Talking To Your Parents
As a good son or daughter, your job is to make your parents feel like a part of your life — but not terrify them with all the particulars. They’ve sheltered you; now it’s time to return the favor and only engage in parental-friendly topics. Sure, you can still go to them with anything truly important, but most of the time they’d rather just talk about what’s on TV.
Related: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Every Tweet
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