The Over-Explainers

Do you know people who are unfairly criticized for giving too much detail to stories? For fleshing out a scene so the audience can feel like they are there? For being precise with their words so that the listener truly understands what they are trying to say?

I bet you do. I can see you right now, shaking your head like, “Oh god, yes. I run and hide when I see them at parties.”

I implore of you, nay beg, to not run and hide. Please do not avoid conversations with them at all costs. These people, you fear, are just trying their best. They really do want to participate and be witty in conversation. Unfortunately, the ability to do this eludes them.

How do I know this? These people are my tribe: the over-explainers.

Recently I participated in a Painting with a Twist event. You know, where you have wine and paint some pre-determined scenic yet seasonal picture. It’s Bob Ross for adults. This evening’s picture was a fall scene of a tree at night backlighted by a midnight sun. On one of the tree branches is an adorable black cat. (Obviously, it’s October, there are no other color cats this month than black.)

I have just finished painting my black cat, and the instructor is coming around offering advice and helpful suggestions. She gets to my “work of art” and suggests that I make the tree trunk thicker because, at that time, it looked like the branch holding the cat would break. This was a helpful, concise suggestion.