Why do people tell me things I really don't want to know about? This particularly happens with coworkers and people in our branch. I have learned about:
women going through menopause
periods
breastfeeding habits (are you noticing a trend here?)
Note: this happened after I posted this, but someone just spoke to me about their son's pubic hair development. What is WRONG WITH PEOPLE???
But it doesn't stop there, I've also learned about coworkers who are going to get fired and why certain people hate other people. Is it the nature of my job? I do not gossip with people as I've learned from experience that it is NOT good for anyone. But how on earth do I get people to stop telling me things? Advice would be appreciated--for my own sanity.
What happened to the dignity of privacy?
Playing in the Sun (June 2015)
9 years ago
So did I ever tell you about my mucus plug? (hehe- wink)
Some people just have to talk to strangers about stuff like that. Yes, there is nothing like being pregnant to attract all the worst scary stories about pregnancy. I have noticed through the years that complete strangers will come talk to me and tell me about their daughter's or neice's or neighbor's horrible pregnancy experience without me ever soliciting the story. Maybe you should put up a sign that charges doctor's fees for such personal information.
I have suffered from the same problem. The one that bothers me most is when I have home-school or stay-at-home-moms who know that I'm a teacher/working mom, etc. that talk to me about how schools are so terrible and other topics to do with parenting that we are likely to disagree on. For these I usually just zone out and nod occasionally. Changing the subject is always good. Current events and weather or the old, "Excuse me just a minute, I'll be right back."
This is one of the times when it's great to be a guy. Unless you're offended by a moderate grunt and head nod as a greeting, or are appalled by chit-chat about the score of the latest game, you're pretty safe.
I have found that in order to avoid gossip or unnecessary personal information, you must be an expert at changing the subject. Maybe try a "go to" subject, like you're favorite place to get a cheese steak or you're favorite type of tree. People will either go with it, or they won't. No harm in trying, right? Did I mention that I work with 90% women and have no idea what is going on most of the time?