There’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing.
When it comes to our personal lives, it’s important to remember that some things are best kept private. Psychology tells us that there are certain aspects of our lives that we should keep to ourselves for the sake of our mental well-being.
But how can you know what these things are? Well, I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll guide you through eight things you should always keep private, according to psychology.
As we delve into this topic, remember, this isn’t about hiding who you are, it’s about preserving your peace and protecting your personal space. So, let’s go ahead and uncover these eight things you should always keep private.
1) Personal goals and aspirations
Sharing your dreams and ambitions with others might seem like a great idea. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a good pep talk or some well-meaning advice?
However, psychology suggests a different approach. It turns out, when we share our goals with others, we often feel a premature sense of accomplishment. This can actually demotivate us from putting in the hard work necessary to achieve those goals.
The reason behind this is that the applause and approval we get from sharing our goals can trick our brain into thinking we’ve already accomplished them.
So next time you’re setting a new goal, whether it’s to lose weight, start a business or learn a new language, consider keeping it to yourself. Focus on the journey rather than the applause at the end. And remember, it’s not about being secretive, it’s about safeguarding your motivation and increasing your chances of success.
2) Personal life details
You know, there’s a time in everyone’s life when they learn the hard way about oversharing. I remember mine like it was yesterday.
I had just started a new job and in my excitement, I shared with a colleague about my tumultuous breakup that had happened a few weeks prior. It seemed like a harmless conversation, but before I knew it, the details had spread around the office. Suddenly, I was the center of gossip and speculation, which was far from pleasant.
Psychology tells us that sharing too much information about our personal lives can lead to these sort of uncomfortable situations. Not only can it make others feel awkward, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and unwanted gossip.
So while it’s perfectly natural to want to connect with people by sharing personal experiences, it’s crucial to know where to draw the line. Remember, some things are best kept within your close circle of friends or family.
3) Financial situation
Money is one of those topics that can stir up a lot of emotions. It’s often associated with status, success and worth, making it a highly sensitive subject.
In a study, about 70% of adults reported having tension in their relationships due to financial matters. This goes to show how much weight we place on financial status and why it’s better to keep your financial situation private.
Discussing your income, debts or investments can lead to unnecessary comparisons, judgments, and even resentment. So, whether you’re doing well financially or struggling to make ends meet, it’s typically best to keep these details to yourself.
4) Family issues
Family matters are often deeply personal and emotionally charged. When we share these details with others, it can lead to a myriad of reactions, not all of them supportive.
People naturally form opinions and judgments based on the information we share. When it comes to family issues, these judgments can be hurtful and damaging, deepening the emotional turmoil we may already be experiencing.
Moreover, discussing family issues can also infringe upon the privacy of your relatives. They may not appreciate their personal matters being discussed with others, causing strain in your relationships.
So while it’s important to seek help and support when dealing with family issues, it’s best to do so with a trusted confidant or professional, rather than sharing broadly.
5) Past regrets and mistakes
We’ve all made mistakes in our past, some small, others more significant. These experiences shape us, teaching us valuable lessons and helping us grow. However, continually focusing on these past failings can be detrimental to our mental health.
Sharing your past regrets and mistakes with others can often lead to unnecessary judgement and criticism. Even worse, it could lead to people defining you by these past actions rather than who you are now.
Remember, you are not defined by your past. Your worth is not measured by the mistakes you’ve made but by the person you’ve become through overcoming them. By keeping your past regrets and mistakes private, you allow yourself to move forward, embracing personal growth and self-acceptance.
So let’s leave the past in the past and focus on the present, because today is a new day full of potential.
6) Your acts of kindness
I’ll never forget the day I helped an elderly woman carry her groceries to her car. She was so grateful and it left me with a warm feeling inside. But I didn’t share this story with anyone, not because I was ashamed, but because it felt right to keep it to myself.
When we do good deeds, it’s often a personal journey between us and the person we’re helping. Broadcasting these acts can sometimes diminish their value, turning them into a quest for recognition rather than genuine acts of kindness.
Moreover, psychology suggests that sharing your good deeds can lead others to question your motives, potentially undermining the act itself. By keeping these acts of kindness private, you preserve their authenticity and the personal fulfillment they bring.
7) Personal beliefs
Personal beliefs, whether they’re religious, political, or philosophical, can be deeply ingrained and highly sensitive. Sharing them with others can sometimes lead to heated debates, misunderstandings, and even damage relationships.
While it’s essential to have open dialogues about these topics, it’s equally important to choose your audience wisely. Not everyone will agree with your viewpoint, and that’s okay. But constantly defending your beliefs can be emotionally draining and stressful.
By keeping your personal beliefs private, you maintain your peace of mind and avoid unnecessary conflict. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to have beliefs that are different from others; what matters is respecting each other’s perspectives.
8) Your medical history
Your health is your business. Medical information is deeply personal and often sensitive. Sharing it broadly can lead to unsolicited advice, judgement, and even discrimination in certain cases.
Unless it’s necessary or you are comfortable with sharing, it’s best to keep your medical history private. This not only protects your privacy but also ensures that the focus remains on who you are as a person, not what health challenges you may have faced or are currently facing.
