The phenomenon known as "kissing and telling" refers to the human propensity to share our experiences, specifically those of a sexual nature. Why divulge such personal information? What can one gain from sharing a private moment of bliss (or alternatively, a moment not so blissful)?

Men are generally perceived to be the ones doing the talking. In my experience, this is inaccurate.  Yes, they really do talk about sports during the "guys' night out." Well, mostly.

Women, being more overtly emotional and indulgent in general, are the surprise perpetrators of kissing and telling.  "Sex and the City" was realistic at least in its portrayal of the extended Sunday brunch after a long weekend. It is no secret that women are evaluative by nature.

As many other women, I have been known to go over a single conversation in minute detail several times, in order to assure myself that I wasn't a complete dork/too forward/not obvious enough. With the advent of text messaging and email, a moderate obsession with the details of life can turn into a full-fledged addiction, complete with an index finger poised between the backspace and forward button. 

The opportunity to share experiences and gain advice is certainly tempting, perhaps even beneficial. Is this necessarily accompanied by a lack of privacy for the other party? If one has sexual relations, should one assume that it will be eventually discussed in graphic detail? Should this be cause for concern?

According to Mark Chinetti, junior at UT, "You can't just do it and talk about it right away." This is certainly true, especially if you plan on "doing it" again with the person in question. Besides being blatantly disrespectful, it takes away from the act itself. Over-sharing can turn a deliciously dirty little secret into a personal anecdote that your friends eventually remember better than you do.

That being said, occasionally the Sunday brunch is called for. Chinetti asserts, "You need for someone to tell you that the girl was crazy and make sure that it's not just you."

Enter the nickname. If you've got a story that absolutely must be told, come up with a descriptive moniker for your mate. If the story is about an acquaintance of your friends: should you really be talking anyway?

The nickname concept provides single members of the population with the possibility of sometimes desperately needed self-expression, description and group analysis, all while maintaining the relative public innocence of the partner in question.

Hockey player, are you out there? Johnnycashhotbartender, do you read my column? Italian stallion, you couldn't read this much English if you tried, though you've got a skilled native tongue. Hey Mr. Tree-trunk thighs, why haven't you called lately? Nakedchris: I'm not even going to go there. March of the Penguins, if you're going to come to my bar every weekend, tip me.