How willing are you to self disclose?

Sharing ourselves is often regarded as an essential element in moving toward bonding. It is built into our cultural assumptions about what constitutes a close relationship. Yet, disclosing information about ourselves can also create risks.

In this Discussion Board, I will ask you to reflect on the theories used in Chapter Thirteen that explain the importance of self disclosure: Uncertainty Theory, the Johari Window, the Social Penetration Model and the concept of Rhetorical Sensitivity.

Based on what you've experienced in interpersonal relationships and in light of some of the points made in the theories about self disclosure, do you think that self disclosure is important? What guidelines do you follow for making self disclosures?

We might also reflect on the differences in our attitudes about self disclosure, especially as they may be affected by our cultural assumptions and expectations related to gender.