It seems, I am a very similar age to you (probably about 1 year younger) and I do feel there is a generational component to the willingness to share. I don't find it easy, I am a private person. I do feel I am quite strong with it and can deal with the problems life throws. I know though they say it is good to share.
A problem shared is a problem halved
Not sure I ever really agreed with this saying.
I was in a similar situation recently with someone who was 20 years younger than me who shared all her personal problems. She felt comfortable speaking to me. I think the key to being a good listener is not to just listen attentively but to listen empathetically. That is what most people want - just a bit of empathy for their situation. And that is what happened as I listened to this 30 year old. She felt relieved to have spoken to someone, I listened empathetically. However, there wasn't much I could really do to help - it just wasn't that type of problem. She felt better though.
I agree that sometimes burneds shared can make them lighter to carry, and that there's times when sharing things is valid and actually wise.
I guess my comments about over-sharing relates more to the way people splash their personal lives all over Facebook and other social medias, and divulge things about themselves, their lives, events and happenings, that really have no place being in the public domain. Of course, the same happens offline a lot.
But sure, sharing information between two friends or family members, between professional advisors like doctors, accountants, lawyers and such is legitimate usually.
There's a line people don't seem to know how to find, or care to find.
I do agree, you have reminded me now if someone else at work who does over share. They talk quite openly about things that really shouldn't be in public knowledge. One such instance involved her having a relationship with someone who was already married. The posts, pictures, made the whole thing public knowledge and was pretty uncomfortable for everyone else. No filter whatsoever.
In that case, the married party's partner found out, as the saw the messages. Destruction happened and you could say they deserved it but that not's my point, we all make decisions with consequences. It was the publicity of it that was shocking.
Yep, that's a classic over-share case. Bonkers really, the way people are so cavalier with their private information.