Oversharing occurs when boundaries in a professional relationship are not defined and too much information is given in a conversation. Oversharing can be costly for both parties, causing tension and jeopardizing your job. Depending on the nature of the conversation, you may not need to apologize for oversharing.
When boundaries in a professional relationship are not defined, oversharing occurs frequently. Workplace dynamics can easily lead to friendships, making the workplace feel particularly welcoming. This environment may provide more opportunities to make mistakes and overshare with your driver. Always remember that even though being in a car seems unprofessional and casual, that is your drivers office and they are at work.
Oversharing is defined by psychologists as “disclosing too many personal details about their situation or life to someone they don’t know well and with whom they have not established a high level of emotional intimacy.”
Oversharing is most likely to occur during times of stress. This can happen in a moment when we are emotionally overwhelmed and just need someone to talk to, or when our ability to filter what we are saying is diminished, such as being overly tired or intoxicated.
Uber drivers are not our friends and it is best to not engage in conversations at all, remember this is a total stranger. Greet when you get into the car and be aware of the roads they are taking.
This person has information of where you come from and where you are going, this means they may be able to follow and scout your movements when your ride has ended. Do not divulge whom you are meeting with or whether or not you are going to your house or someone else’s. It is imperative that take your safety seriously and always end your ride when it has ended.
Also see: Beach safety for kids this summer season
