Direct Communication VS Oversharing

Ugh, communication.. How do we do this again??

Well, I for one am a very direct person (most of the time). But where is the line between healthy clear communication and oversharing? What is the difference between communicating your needs and creating unnecessary conflict? When is it cool to be blunt vs when should you bite your tongue? When should you stand up for yourself and what is just not worth it? What is really TMI, is that just a consent practice or trigger warning? Should talking about your poop or your vulva or your stressful day require an apology or a warning? (Sex and body negative society much?)

I’ve been really contemplating where that line is. I have been told I can be too direct. Or too harsh. Or make people uncomfortable with my sex talk or lifestyle.

I am not direct in every situation. I was a shy kid, a people pleaser. My direct communication was a skill I learned to develop confidence and stand up for myself and my feelings. And having no BS therapists who taught me how to verbalize my needs. Now I am direct where I feel confident, and to some that might be oversharing. And sometimes, I do need to bite my tongue. Or ask for permission before I share. (But what does this look like? More on that below.)