What is it about a secret — something you’re not supposed to know — that makes it so irresistible? It’s none of your business, so of course you want to know all about it. You think its discovery will be enormously entertaining or shocking or both.
On the other hand, you certainly don’t want your own secrets known, and at night you worry about all the new snooping technology.
The funny thing is, there is a reverse situation: To paraphrase Voltaire — the secret to being a bore is to tell all! When you’re on the phone, don’t leave out a single detail, no matter how dull or irrelevant!
I have fantasies of a CIA interrogator listening in to my gabby old Aunt Kate — who was very thorough when telling all — and being cured of ever wanting to listen in again. This is your secret weapon in the war on privacy.
Bore them to death!
But if you’d rather not, then here is something to talk about that will charm all your listeners whoever they are.
Hellbound and Down 