Dear Tia,
What is your opinion of people who insist on giving you their medical history, including gory details, when you make the mistake of asking, “How are you?” Most of the time, it is only a part of a polite greeting, and we don’t really want to know about every ache and pain, every bowel movement, and the color of what they are coughing up! How do we get away from someone like that without seeming rude and having to go through drastic measures to avoid him or her, like hiding behind the dog food aisle at the Dollar Store when the person is spotted.
Signed,
Too much information
Dear TMI,
Unfortunately, too many people believe that when people ask them how they are, they really want to know! Most of us say it as a polite habit, but then end up being subjected to a play-by-play of their most recent illness, replete with more details than an episode of “Mystery Diagnosis.” While carrying cyanide capsules may seem like a viable option when faced with the walking “Grey’s Anatomy” guest star, the polite manner of dealing with this is less drastic. You need to look at your watch like you have to meet the pope in 5 minutes and make a quick getaway, saying, “Hope you feel better.” After the 50th time you do this, he/she should take the hint and not give you details anymore. Or…. there’s the cyanide capsule….
Tia Juana will cheerfully provide advice for anyone that asks. Just mail your questions to “Ask Tia Juana” at PO Box 8, Van Horn, Texas 79855. All questions will remain anonymous unless there is a chance for extortion. Disclaimer: Tia Juana is not a licensed counselor or therapist and none of the advice should be considered professional.
