But LT, youre not doing journalism, youre doing therapy. And to address Annes example, i would say, it looks like shes prepping a witness! ("Only answer the question you are asked!") But i would guess a t has been prepped / trained the same way, to thoughtfully and carefully only answer the question he is asked.

This is not a typical conversation. Your presumption of (his) boundaries is something to be explored. I was the same way, and it can come off as rude in typical conversation. My parents didnt want me to ask ANY follow up questions, so i assumed the rest of the world didnt either. Thats not normal, unfortunately. Normal would be helping us to recognize what is NORMAL give and take in a conversation, and what IS getting too personal. Maybe thats what attracted us to journalism, permission to ask?