Was thinking about this last night. I have friends who I really don’t know anything about on an emotional level because I’ve drilled into my head it’s a conversation meant to be shared in therapy. But there’s also a part of me that sees the value in getting to know people as humans and not just their 9-5 selves. I have fem-presenting friends who seem to be more open to these types of conversations, but I genuinely want to find the line between sharing and over sharing. As a man, It’s pretty depressing to think about tbh, knowing other men for decades but not really knowing anything about them besides their favorite teams or beer.
Is this a thing that’s exclusive to males? Also, if you have any good literature recommendations for this topic please drop below 😅
Timing is everything. Usually I get to know coworkers more in after hours social activities (bars and dinners) rather than during the standard 9-5 setting.
It's vague and probably unhelpful but usually it doesn't take very much to break the ice..it's counterintuitive but usually just being a good listener will help and then people will reciprocate. You can get a lot of mileage out of making jokes about some of the bullshit at work that everyone knows is bullshit, as long as you keep it light and not actually get angry about it. Basically just treat it all as a game (even though it isn't).
I still pick and choose what I share though, it's just a thing I do. I am private and like to pick what I share.