Regarding TMI

Apropos of nothing specific, I am introducing a new acronym. It is NEI for Not Enough Information. This would be the counterpoint to the overused and sometimes annoying acronym, TMI for Too Much Information. 

Selfie at the 'old tree' yesterday which can be a part of my hikes in Wurdi Youang

We have all heard, “Whoa, TMI!” at some point (admittedly some of us more than others) and there are those who use the expression more than others. I don’t believe I have ever said, “TMI” to anyone. But some people are too fragile and precious to be real with. They don't really want to share openly and authentically. In my opinion, there are too many precious people who would rather not know and understand than to hear something that is possibly, messy and uncomfortable. 

I can’t remember the last time someone said, “TMI” to me. It’s been a while and that’s good. As you can probably tell, I can be judgy about the phrase. When someone says it to me, it works. I shut-down whatever I was going to share. Sadly, because sometimes we could really use some more information, NEI. 

Especially as we age, we all need people we can to talk openly to about stuff. People with whom we can be comfortable talking about uncomfortable, or possibly ‘delicate’ topics. The aging body has quite a few delicate topics, as does the aging brain. There are many mental/emotional topics that can be uncomfortable to talk about. At this point in my life, all of my older family loved-ones (and the loved-me-back ones) are gone. So my circle of those who truly want some genuine information from me has been shrunk to a very few. 

Both of my books wander into delicate topics and genuine feelings. And I know for a fact there are people who have appreciated my openness regarding some things. And I hugely appreciate their appreciation. I write to share. 

Looking across a paddock on yesterday's hike

There’s a popular catch phrase question, “R U OK?” It’s cute, and like TMI it can be written just in letters. But the question only has value if the person asking genuinely wants to know, even if the answer might be considered TMI. In my opinion the vast majority are not looking for an authentic answer. They just want you to say that you are okay so that then they can feel okay about you being okay and about themselves for asking. Okay?

At many times in my life, and particularly in the last few years, I have had extended periods of not being okay. If you read my writing, you are aware of my depression and anxiety issues. I have written that they are the conjoined twins of my neurodivergent brain. I have my coping mechanisms and I do get along, but in general my genuine answer to RU OK? Would be, “Not really”. But I am rarely asked. 

The phone time I got up this morning. I love my wallpaper but I did not get enough sleep  

So, my real life friends, and my internet friends (my dear e-migos) I will promise you this, should you want to tell me about, or discuss, anything at all, it is never TMI to me. In fact, sometimes it is NEI.

Sending love as always and I am okay ❤️