The notion of not talking about oneself too much and allowing others to share their thoughts and experiences is often related to the concept of social etiquette and effective communication. There's no hard and fast rule that talking about yourself is inherently bad, but excessive self-focus in conversations can lead to several potential issues:
Imbalance in conversation: If one person dominates the conversation by talking about themselves too much, it can create an imbalance and make the other person feel unheard or unimportant.
Lack of connection: Conversations are an opportunity to connect with others, and showing genuine interest in their lives, thoughts, and feelings can foster stronger connections.
Narcissism: Constantly steering the conversation back to oneself might be perceived as narcissistic behavior, which can be off-putting to others.
Missed opportunities for learning: If you're always talking about yourself, you may miss valuable insights and perspectives from others that could enrich your understanding of different subjects.
On the other hand, actively listening to others and encouraging them to talk about themselves has several benefits:
Building rapport: Showing interest in others' lives and experiences helps build rapport and trust in relationships.
Understanding others: By listening to others, you gain insights into their perspectives, feelings, and interests, which can lead to a better understanding of the world.
Strengthening bonds: Engaging in reciprocal conversations strengthens social bonds and can lead to more meaningful connections.
However, it's essential to find a balance in conversations. Healthy communication involves both sharing about oneself and being attentive to others. It's perfectly fine to talk about yourself and share your experiences, but also be mindful of giving space to others and being genuinely interested in what they have to say. Good conversations are a two-way street where both parties feel valued and heard.