So it goes without saying that you should beware of what you say (and to whom) to avoid an embarassing situation, or worse, fracturing a relationship that you may need down the line. Years ago, I went to a party with a girlfriend and saw a guy I'd briefly dated. I pointed him out to my girlfriend and was just about to tell her to avoid him at all costs because he was a jerk, only to be interrupted with, "Oh, I know _____! He's my cousin." That would've been awkward. Lol.
Recently, I had two people initiate conversations about a third party where the person initiating the conversation didn't know that I knew the third party. Thankfully, in one instance the conversation was very complimentary. The other? Not so much. Of course, I said nothing, but I made a mental note.
So how do you navigate the Shrinking Six Degrees of Separation?
- Know your Circle of Trust--the people you can vent to or share "unpolished" comments without fear of it being repeated
- Never share unflattering comments via email or text. It's very easy for written communications to get into the wrong hands.
- Don't make unflattering statements about others (outside your Circle of Trust) that you wouldn't feel comfortable saying to them in person.
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