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Auntie Says: When, and when not, to air dirty laundry

Faye Arcand is a freelance writer living in the South Okanagan
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Faye Arcand is a freelance writer living in the South Okanagan.

Do you remember when you were in high school and youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™d tell your girlfriends everything?

Nothing was off limits. SheÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™d tell you about her boyfriend, then youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™d share back and the two of you would compare notes. There were no secrets, or boundaries, but often thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™d be judgments passed, rumours started and, of course, loads of giggles.

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I know that guys talk too, but itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s the way young women share so openly about their relationships that I want to look at. Often the chatter is emotionally charged and while cathartic, it can also be damaging as thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s little thought given to the possible outcomes that such conversations may have.

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There are many women who still run to their girlfriends to discuss their husbands or boyfriends on a regular basis. Often thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s no filter and knowing when to temper the topic of private issues is lost over cocktails and the airing of dirty laundry.

The problem with this strategy is that your friend doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t have the same investment into your relationship and will always take your side. That may seem like a good thing in the short-term, but doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t bode well when she begins to belittle your partner on her own. So, whether seeking advice, venting or just whining, be aware that there could be consequences.

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HereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s an example: A young friend of mine shared this story with me. IÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ll called her Jane. She was very upset as sheÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™d had a serious fight with her boyfriend. It was their first big blow out and Jane was confused, feeling betrayed and on the verge of an emotional meltdown.

Though well into her 30Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s, her first instinct was to call her best friendÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” just like in high school. They met at a restaurant and Jane spilled every dirty little detail of the fight. The friend at first gave sympathy, then quickly became angry and protective.

Fuelled by alcohol, she started bad-mouthing the boyfriend and making plans for Jane to end the relationship. It got to the point where Jane felt she needed to defend her boyfriend, the relationship and her decision to stay. What had started out as Jane seeking the support of a friend, turned into an uncomfortable discussion with opposing views, stakes and understanding.

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After the emotions settled, Jane regretted disclosing so many intimate details and didnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t know what to do. She feared ongoing backlash and judgment from her friend for something she and her partner worked through together. She was over the fight, but was the friend? Even after talking with her, Jane was concerned the friend would act stand-offish around him, treat him differently, or even make snarky remarks or innuendo. In the end, the friend did comment to the now fiancé about the incident and that changed the friendship forever. Jane backed off and closed ranks around her partner, who she felt was being attacked unfairly. It was a hard lesson learned.

In this scenario, the friend came out on the losing end of the stick. There was never any doubt that Jane would choose her fiancé over the friend and admits that some things shouldÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ve been held closer to the chest. SheÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s now found a neutral person that she can trust and confide in and seek guidance if necessary. If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re someoneÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s personÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” your job is to just listen and support Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” not comment, judge or suggest. Listen and support.

If you feel compelled to rant on about your manÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s annoying habits, traits or appearance then you best sit down and take a look at yourself. As you evolve in life and relationships, things need to change and mature. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s not high school anymore. Instead of talking so much, you need to listen to the others and perhaps youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ll see what IÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™m saying. And, let me make it perfectly clear IÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™m not referring to violence Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” physical or verbal. Those secrets kill and need to be told.

Faye Arcand is a freelance writer who lives in the South Okanagan. Reach her at faye.arcand@icloud.com or .



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

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