Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
We have been having a fantastic time since we became full-time grey nomads two months ago and have met loads of interesting people. Both my wife, Ellie, and I are very sociable and make new friends easily. The problem is that Ellie is opening up a little too much for my liking, and she’s doing it too quickly. I love to share a joke and slowly get to know people but I am not sure it’s appropriate for Ellie to share details of my van reversing inadequacies with someone she has just met in the amenities block, or to discuss the intricacies of our son’s recent divorce with someone who just sat down for a quick drink. Last night, she told a large Happy Gathering all about my recent colonoscopy. I’ve tried talking to her but she says I’m too sensitive.
Martin
I am guessing you are not the first to experience the ‘my partner says too much’ issue in caravan parks, Martin. The grey nomad lifestyle of course lends itself to meeting an endless succession of new people. The temptation to ‘open up’ is increased because close friends and family are generally not there to talk to. Your wife clearly wants to talk to someone about your son’s divorce and other worries in her life such as your recent colonoscopy but the usual suspects of the next door neighbour or best from school just aren’t available when you are on the road. Try to show some understanding of her need to talk about these issues, Martin, but also stress to her how important it is that certain details aren’t discussed with near strangers. She should be sensitive to your needs, as well as you to hers.
Jaclyn
Lighten up, Martin! You should be delighted that Ellie is comfortable enough with new friends to share these insights into your life. Living on the road is a bit like speed dating inasmuch as you haven’t got time to go through the usual ‘courting’ process. When you meet new people you cut out the usual small talk and get down to the nitty gritty. Who cares if she tells X or Y the intricacies of your colonoscopy? I am sure they’ll be as eager to forget the details as you are! This is more about Ellie’s needs. These are clearly things in her life that she wants to talk about with people other than you. If she is getting comfort from these ‘strangers’, why stand in her way? She’s making conversation and having fun, not leaking confidential information that threatens national security.
Heidi
