9 Things You Should Always Keep Private, According to Psychology
Discussing our problems with others is an undeniably effective way to relieve our stress and anxiety.
But at the same time, we must maintain our personal boundaries to protect our well-being and mental peace.
Because the truth is, not everything needs to be shared – some aspects of our lives are better off kept private.
And when we overshare, we put ourselves at risk of feeling vulnerable and exposed.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 9 things that you should always keep private, as suggested by psychology.
This guide aims to help you navigate what to share and what not to share, promoting healthier interactions and safeguarding your well-being.
1) Personal goals and aspirations
Personal goals and aspirations are the driving force behind our actions. They’re what keep us motivated, focused, and determined.
However, according to research, this is something you might want to keep private.
One reason for this is, that when we share our ambitions with others, it can create unnecessary pressure and expectations.
Moreover, not everyone will understand or support your dreams. There’s a risk of them being belittled or dismissed, which can affect your confidence and enthusiasm.
It’s also worth noting that when you keep your aspirations private, it allows for flexibility and changes without judgment or scrutiny.
After all, it’s your journey and you have every right to alter the course as you see fit.
2) Personal life challenges
We all face hurdles in our lives, but sharing these personal struggles with everyone isn’t always beneficial.
This doesn’t mean you should bottle up your feelings or suffer alone, but it’s important to choose carefully who you share your problems with.
When you disclose personal challenges to others, it can sometimes lead to unsolicited advice, judgment, and even gossip.
What’s more, it can potentially alter people’s perception of you, making them see you more as a victim rather than the strong individual that you are.
On the flip side, keeping personal struggles private allows you to navigate through them at your own pace.
You’re in control of your narrative and how you choose to overcome these challenges. It also encourages personal growth and resilience as you tackle these obstacles head-on.
3) Philanthropy
Carrying out charitable acts or giving to those in need is a commendable act of kindness.
While it might seem like a beautiful thing to share with others, keeping your philanthropic activities private can often be more beneficial.
Broadcasting your good deeds can sometimes come off as self-promotion or virtue signaling, which may undermine the true essence of giving.
It may also unintentionally put pressure on others to perform similar acts, not out of generosity, but to maintain appearances.
Keeping your charitable activities private ensures the focus remains on the act itself and not on you.
It also allows for a more genuine connection with those you’re helping, as they know you’re doing it from the heart and not for public recognition.
4) Family issues
Families aren’t always perfect, and sometimes, conflicts and issues arise.
While it’s natural to seek advice or vent frustrations, airing your family grievances publicly can often lead to more harm than good.
Family disputes are deeply personal and sensitive.
When shared openly, they become subject to scrutiny and judgment, which can exacerbate the situation and make reconciliation more difficult.
Moreover, it can put those involved in an uncomfortable position, especially if they’re not ready or willing to share their side of things publicly.
Keeping family issues private respects the privacy of all involved and allows for open, honest dialogue within the family to resolve matters without external interference.
5) Acts of kindness
Performing acts of kindness can bring immense joy, not just to the recipient but also to the giver.
However, it’s often more meaningful to keep these gestures private.
When we share about our kind deeds, it’s easy for the focus to shift from the act of kindness itself to our own actions. This can take away from the sincerity of the gesture and turn it into a self-appreciation post.
Keeping acts of kindness private allows the focus to stay on the deed and its impact, rather than on us.
It also protects the dignity of the recipient, who may not want their circumstances highlighted publicly.
Ultimately, performing acts of kindness should come from a place of empathy and compassion, free from any expectation of recognition or reward.
6) Personal hygiene habits
Everybody has a unique routine when it comes to personal hygiene.
Whether it’s your skincare regimen, oral hygiene routine, or the way you choose to maintain your physical cleanliness, these are intimate details that don’t necessarily need to be shared with everyone.
Opening up about such habits can sometimes lead to unsolicited advice, judgment, or even mockery.
It might make you feel self-conscious about routines that work perfectly well for you.
Keeping these habits private helps you avoid unnecessary scrutiny and allows you to carry on with your routines confidently and comfortably.
After all, everyone has a different way of doing things, what matters most is that it works for you.
7) Your guilty pleasures
Whether it’s your secret love for cheesy reality TV shows, your collection of silly comic books, or your penchant for pineapple on pizza, we all have guilty pleasures that bring us joy.
These are often the little things that make us who we are. Keeping them private can sometimes add to the fun, making them our little secret escape from the world.
Sharing them isn’t necessarily harmful, but keeping them to yourself allows you to fully indulge without fear of judgement or teasing.
After all, these guilty pleasures are for your enjoyment – who cares what anyone else thinks?
So go ahead and enjoy that extra slice of pineapple pizza without a worry in the world!
8) Financial situation
Money matters can be incredibly personal and sensitive.
Whether you’re rolling in dough or struggling to make ends meet, keeping your financial situation private is generally a good rule of thumb.
When you share details about your finances, it can lead to:
Comparison
Judgment
Envy
It might also invite unsolicited advice or create awkward dynamics in relationships.
By keeping your financial status private, you can avoid these complications.
It allows you to manage your money on your own terms, without feeling pressured by societal standards or expectations.
Remember, how you handle your finances is your business and no one else’s.
9) Self-improvement journey
Your journey to becoming a better version of yourself is a deeply personal one. It’s a process filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks, growth and learning.
While it can be tempting to share this journey with others, it’s best kept private.
This allows you to focus on your personal growth without outside interference, judgment or comparison.
Keeping your self-improvement journey private gives you the freedom to:
Grow at your own pace
Make mistakes without fear of criticism
Celebrate your victories in your own special way
Remember, this journey is uniquely yours. Cherish it, embrace it and most importantly, own it. Your growth is for you and nobody else.
Final thoughts
Privacy is not about being secretive or deceptive. It’s about setting healthy boundaries that protect your mental health and personal space.
This list isn’t exhaustive and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
What you choose to keep private might differ based on your personal experiences and comfort level. The key is to be mindful of what feels right for you.
So, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you could benefit from a little more privacy. Where can you draw boundaries that protect your well-being?
by Ethan Sterling | June 12, 2024
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