Forwarding of Personal Emails
How do you recommend I handle a good friend who forwards my personal emails to her about my life to her friend at work without asking me? Am I in the wrong to be upset? Is this good friendship practice, or am I being too critical?
You are not wrong or being too critical! But, sadly, it appears that your “friend” is inconsiderate and may be an email gossip.
As for good friendship practice, I have to wonder: Is this a person worthy of being called your friend? Otherwise, why would she share your personal details with someone you do not know without your permission?
Is she trying to be helpful by doing so? The answer to that question will probably tell you all you need to know.
How to Handle Personal Email Forwarding
I guess your approach should be guided by how important this friend is to you. So I would start by letting her know that you are aware of her behavior and by sending her a link to this article: Email Forwarding Reflects on You!
At the same time, ask her what her reasons are for doing this. Her answer will let you know if she warrants your further trust.
Let her know you are disappointed she is forwarding your personal email to strangers, because that’s not how true friends behave. You’ll also want to clarify that you consider emails between you two to be private conversations.
Know Who You Can Trust
Sadly, it would be wise to withhold personal details in future emails, as she has proven untrustworthy.
Have a question you would like me to address here on the NetM@nners Blog? It’s easy — just ask!
