OK, an example.

Well, if your brother had been sold to the next plantation over, and your work-group met his work-group on the road, you might want to keep the contact quiet. Having had two step-brother sons in the Navy, I can assure you that you don't always want to let the powers-that-be know how to gain any leverage on you. But you might want to inquire how your brother is doing, and tell him how his wife and kids are missing him and keeping him in their thoughts and, maybe, prayers.

~Susan