How My Colonoscopy Created a Buzz

Like many of you, I regularly update my Facebook status and send tweets via Twitter.  Yesterday morning I hesitated, however, about sharing with my Facebook friends my main activity for the day... a colonoscopy. 

What will my friends think? Is this too personal? But, then, I said "What the heck!" and posted it along with updates throughout the morning.

The result was quite surprising. I had more comments posted about this particular update than any other in my roughly three years of being on Facebook. Specifically, I have a string of 45 comments (or should I say wise cracks) shattering my prior record of 28 for my update about "My Audition for The Apprentice."

So what can be learned from this story?

I learned that others value people who are transparent and genuine. It struck a nerve because I shared something personal about myself. Something with which others could relate. This type of self-disclosure is one of the best ways to develop and nurture a meaningful relationship with others. So next time you meet someone and have the urge to talk sports or the weather, try discussing a more meaningful topic. Something that makes you a little vulnerable.

For those of you interested in diving deeper into this topic, I strongly recommend reading  Keith Ferrazzi's classic book Never Eat Alone is the best relationship/networking book you'll ever read.

By the way, in case you're interested, my colon is fortunately healthy.

Below are some of the highlights from the 45 comments. Enjoy.

"Now you know how a Muppet feels"

"Ask the doctor: Can you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?"

"If they can take a photo and upload it to Facebook that would be great!"

"Do you have a safe word?"

"Waking up now (19 minutes later). Good news: my colon is disease-free. Bad news: my doctor was unable to find that Snickers bar from 9th grade."

"Feeling whoozy. No operation of heavy machinery for me today".