I think the idea of TMI is just one of the ways our generation has found to make communication more disconnected. It is part of the growing fad of meaningless drivel and daily pleasantries that pass for conversation in this day and age. And I say, ENOUGH! It has gotten to the point where schools are even encouraging more average friendships over the one or two special ones.
If we are to have a meaningful life, it is important to find a network of people we are close to, and who we are comfortable sharing everything with. The phrase TMI gets in the way of this, making us think that some things aren't meant to be shared.
TMI is particularly prevalent in conversations around sex and sexuality, a phenomenon which I find particularly weird. I think it's preposterous that our puritanically-based society in America has decided that sex, potentially the most gratifying, connecting, beautiful experience of one's life, is dirty, taboo, and not a proper topic for polite conversation.
I advocate the introduction of the abbreviation TLI or Too Little Information. It is always up to the person talking to share or not, but sharing, and then, for the sake of others, saying you shared too much, is just silly, in my humble opinion. And, if it's the person listening saying TMI, SHUT UP, they just cared enough to tell you something personal. Appreciate that trust, and if anything, thank them for sharing, don't minimize what they said by saying it isn't proper conversation.
I have no idea how to end this, so I leave you with a song:
Thank you...honey?
I believe I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what the hell IS polite conversation? Small talk? Or just what society deems 'appropriate' in a sweeping generalization that is more an anomaly than the rule?