Inspired By The Housewives

So I watched the season finale of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City.

Yes, I got hooked. Sure it's fun to watch and imagine what it might be like to be a socialite. It was also nice to watch and think "Wow, some of these chicks are screwy!"

Forget the catty conversations, the rude behavior, the botox, and even the barbie dress from the episode. I just wanted to share my thoughts on my favorite housewife, LuAnn de Lesseps, the real-life Countess (also someone I'd love to have a beer with).

She does quite a bit of volunteer work, and in this episode she went to an organization that helps people who have battled drug addiction, get back into the work force.

LuAnn was helping a young woman with her interview skills by asking questions that could come up in the process. Questions like: "Tell me about your work history," and "Can you explain some of the gaps I see here in your work history."

LuAnn's suggestions for the young woman were: talk about the work skills you have from your past that pertain to the job you are applying for. Also, don't give too many personal details about your past.

And that suggestion is what inspired this post. I think women in general offer up too many details. We don't mean to. We're just honest creatures who see all we experience in life as worth mentioning.

Have you ever come home from a social engagement and mentally beat yourself up for sharing too much info during one of the evening's conversations? Have you ever just tried to be honest and share your true feelings in a group conversation, but afterwards get the feeling you brought everyone down?

Here's a way to rein in the blabber mouth in you.

The young woman that LuAnn helped in the show....her face would light up when she smiled. Just a fantastic smile! But when she was unsure of herself, she lost her smile and her edge. So....keep your comments simple and keep that confident smile going. When you feel yourself losing it, stop talking and get back to the smile!

That smile is just as powerful internally as externally. Keeping yourself there mentally will help you respond with sharper answers. It keeps the interviewee or social group at ease...heck, it keeps YOU at ease.

I just had to blog about this while it was fresh in my mind. Who says being hooked on reality TV shows can't be a good thing?

So, MARYLYNNFORM me! Do you agree that as women, we tend to share too much? What do you do to keep your confidence up and your answers short during an interview? Did you get hooked on Housewives? Do tell!

- Mary-Lynn