(F2F unit 1) How to Confide in Someone

It is human nature to feel the need to share our burdens with others. However, knowing how to confide in someone is often more difficult than people realize. You must decide who to tell, when to tell them and how much you should reveal.

1. Step 1Determine if the person is trustworthy enough to confide in. You don’t want to bear your soul to the office gossip. Be sure that the confidante has a reputation of discretion and maturity.
2. Step 2

   Decide if you want your information kept silent by your confidante or if you don’t mind if she speaks about it with other people. Be sure to let the confidante know what you expect of her before disclosing anything.

3. Step 3

   Choose what you will tell your confidante and what you won’t reveal. It is best to make your mind up about this ahead of time so that you don’t walk away from the conversation angry at yourself for giving away too much information.

4. Step 4

   Find a discrete place and time to speak with your confidante. Pick a spot that will allow you to speak freely and without worrying about others listening in on the conversation.

5. Step 5

   Share your information. Speak calmly and slowly and allow your confidante time to ask questions to clarify the information.

6. Step 6

   Thank your confidante for listening and for giving you the opportunity to reveal your feelings.

7. Step 7

   Listen to any words of advice that your confidante may offer. Do this even if you weren’t looking for advice on the subject. It is human for people to want to assist you in some way. The most natural way for a confidante to do this is to offer advice.

 

Here’s a forum on confiding. Take a look at what ohers think.