How do I stop being so open and start 'gaurding' my words?

I am a single mom and get lonely sometimes. So I tend to open up and be really friendly. Also, I am friendly, and open by nature. I do have things I am private about, but often I just wish that I had a bigger private side and didn't share so much with others. How do I just stop being so open and protect myself more from other's knowing so much about me. How do I become less open? (I feel insecure when I say something and don't get a response back right away, so I would rather just not put myself out there so much). Any ideas?

Answer:
It's great to be open and friendly, and you shouldn't change yourself just because your not always getting the response you want. However, if you want to be more discrete you can try asking yourself if its worth saying or keeping to yourself whenever you have the urge to splurge some information.

it takes a lot of effort to keep something like that bottled up, find one friend, open up to them so you wont have the urge to talk to people that dont respect your friendliness.

Be a better listener instead of a talker. Always think before you speak. It never hurts to take a few seconds before responding to questions, or before adding to a conversation. Your private life is just that...private. Most people are not interested to begin with unless they know you well.

I was coached to take a full breath before responding to an inquiry...It gives you the chance to gauge the appropriateness (sp) of the question, and whether or not you should reply honestly and openly.

This is just one tool of several to assist you in taking a "pause for the cause" before divulging info that might be better kept confidential

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How do I stop being so open and start 'gaurding' my words?

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