People you talk to usually want only the gist of your stories. Very rarely do they want every detail. Although you may be fascinated by the tiny details, few others will be so fascinated. Of course, you need to share enough to be interesting and clear. But it's easy to slip into the "too much" mode when you get involved in your story.

If you go on and on, describing all the details, you won't give other conversers their turns to talk. They'll feel you're monopolizing the process. (And you probably are.) Conversations must be about WE, not just about ME.

Exceptions: Your girlfriend may want to know all the details about your relationship struggles; your physician may need to know all the specifics about your medical problem in order to make a diagnosis; a friend may need to know all correct steps to take when changing spark plugs. In these and certain other situations, the small details are necessary.

But during most social conversations, sharing all the details is not necessary.