To Share or Not to Share

In today's interconnected world, the dilemma of whether to share personal information or keep it to ourselves is increasingly significant. When deciding whether to share, remember the acronym C.A.R.E. to guide your decision-making:

C - Claim:

Is it mine to share? Before divulging information, confirm it's yours to share. Respecting privacy—both yours and others'—is crucial.

A - Assess:

Have I read the room? Context is key. Evaluate the environment and the audience. Is it appropriate to share this information here and now?

R - Reason:

Connection or attention? Reflect on your motives. Are you sharing to create a genuine connection, to seek attention, to vent, or for another reason?

E - Examine:

Can I own what I’m sharing? If the information is personal, not fully processed, or if you haven't come to terms with it, think carefully. Once shared, you can't take it back. Are you confident that the person you're sharing with will handle it responsibly?

By applying the C.A.R.E. questions, we can make thoughtful and considered decisions that honor our boundaries and those of others.