There’s a big difference between being open with someone and feeling obliged to justify every decision you make.

This difference comes down to respect. Constantly feeling the need to explain your actions can imply that you’re not being respected as an individual with the ability to make independent choices.

On the flip side, knowing when explanations aren’t necessary, even in close relationships, emphasizes your autonomy and boosts the mutual respect.

Here are some things that you absolutely don’t need to explain to anyone, no matter how close they are to you. 

1) Your personal boundaries

Everyone has their own comfort zone, a personal space that acts as a sanctuary. It’s that bubble where you feel safe, secure, and totally you.

And guess what? You don’t owe anyone an explanation for setting your personal boundaries.

Even in close relationships, it’s important to respect each other’s personal space. There’s no need to justify why you need your alone time or why certain topics are off-limits.

Anyone who respects you will understand this without needing an explanation.

2) Your life choices

I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve been questioned about the choices I’ve made. Whether it was about my decision to pursue a writing career or choosing to remain child-free, there’s always been someone ready to question my choices.

But here’s the thing – these are my choices, decisions that affect my life directly. And I don’t owe anyone an explanation for them.

Your life choices, whether about your career, relationships, or lifestyle, belong solely to you. They are a reflection of your values, beliefs, and experiences. You don’t need to justify them to anyone, even if they don’t understand or agree with them.

In the end, we’re all trying to live our best lives based on our own individual perceptions and experiences. Each of us is unique and so are our choices. You owe it to yourself to make decisions that bring you happiness and satisfaction, without having to explain or justify them to others.

3) Your dietary preferences

Choosing what you want to eat and drink is a personal decision and one that you don’t have to explain or justify to anyone.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or a meat-lover, your dietary choices are yours to make. A study found that vegetarians often face bias and judgment for their dietary choices, even from their friends and family.

But remember, what you choose to consume is your business. You don’t have to justify why you don’t eat certain foods or justify why you follow a particular diet. The key is to honor your body, listen to its needs, and make dietary choices that align with your health goals and beliefs. And no one else has a say in that.

4) Your appearance

In a world obsessed with beauty standards, it’s easy to feel the pressure to explain why you look the way you do. But here’s a reality check – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your appearance.

Whether it’s your weight, your clothing style, your tattoos, or your hair color, it’s all about personal preference. Your body is yours to adorn and present as you wish.

You don’t need to justify why you’re not dressed up for a casual meet-up or why you’ve decided to grow a beard. Your appearance is an extension of your personality and it should make you feel comfortable and confident.

So, wear that loud shirt, rock that pixie cut, or go bare-faced if that’s what makes you happy.

5) Your mental health

In this fast-paced world, prioritizing your mental health is not just necessary, it’s essential. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for taking steps to safeguard your mental peace.

If you need to skip a social event because you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s okay. If you need to take a mental health day off work, that’s absolutely fine.

And if you’re seeking help from a mental health professional, there’s no need to justify or explain it to anyone. Mental health is just as important as physical health and taking care of it is not something you should feel the need to explain.

6) Your relationship status

For years, I’ve been bombarded with questions like “When are you getting married?” or “Why are you still single?” It took me a while to realize that I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my relationship status.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or anywhere in between, your relationship status is your business. There’s no rule that says you need to be married by a certain age or have a certain number of children.

The truth is, everyone’s journey is different. Some of us may find love early, others later in life, and some may choose to remain single. None of these choices are less valid than the others.

So the next time you’re asked about your relationship status, remember – you don’t need to justify it. Your relationship status doesn’t define your worth or happiness.

7) Your financial situation

Money is a sensitive topic, and one that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for. Your financial situation, whether you’re swimming in wealth or struggling to make ends meet, is your business.

You don’t have to justify why you can’t afford a luxurious vacation or why you choose to save rather than spend. Similarly, you don’t have to explain why you choose to splurge on certain things.

Everyone has different financial responsibilities, priorities, and goals. The important thing is that you’re managing your finances in a way that aligns with your personal values and long-term goals.

So, keep your financial situation private if you wish. You have the right to make financial decisions without having to justify them to anyone.

8) Your self-worth

The most important thing you should know is this: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your self-worth.

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. You don’t have to justify why you love and respect yourself.

Never let anyone make you feel less than you are. Your self-worth comes from within, not from the opinions or validation of others.

So, hold your head high, embrace your uniqueness, and know that you are enough just as you are. Your worth is non-negotiable and needs no explanation.