8 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | June 13, 2025, 6:34 am

There’s a fine line between being open and allowing others to invade your personal space. It’s important to remember that not everything in your life requires an explanation to others.

Navigating this boundary can be tricky, but knowing what you should keep to yourself is crucial for your peace of mind.

In this piece, we’re going to discuss 8 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for. Remember, it’s okay to keep some things under wraps.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Your life choices

We all make choices in life, some small, some big. These choices shape our lives and give us our unique identities.

And guess what? You don’t owe anyone an explanation for these choices. Whether you decide to switch careers, relocate to a different city, or adopt a new lifestyle, it’s your call.

Sure, others might not understand or agree with your decisions. But remember, you’re living your life for you, not them.

Your life choices are yours alone to make. And no one else is entitled to an explanation for them. Stand by your decisions and don’t feel obligated to justify them.

After all, it’s your journey. Own it.

2) Your relationship status

Ah, the ever-popular question – “Why are you still single?” or “Why aren’t you married yet?” Trust me, I’ve been there.

Once, at a family gathering, my Aunt Jane, bless her heart, asked me why I was still single. She couldn’t understand why a young, successful person like me didn’t have a significant other.

I could have given her a lengthy explanation about my focus on career growth, personal development, or my lack of interest in settling down just yet. But I simply smiled and said, “Aunt Jane, I’m happy with where I am right now.”

Remember this – your relationship status is entirely your business. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for being single, divorced, or not having kids. As long as you’re content and comfortable with where you are in life, that’s all that matters.

3) Your dietary choices

People love to comment on what others eat. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or you’re on a gluten-free diet, people often feel they have the right to know why you eat the way you do.

Did you know that there are over 375 million vegetarians worldwide? Each person has their own reasons for their dietary choices, whether it’s ethical, health-related, or simply a matter of taste.

Regardless of the reasons, it’s crucial to remember that your diet is a personal choice. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you eat the way you do. It’s your body and your health. So eat in a way that makes you feel good.

4) Your appearance

We live in a world where people often judge others by their appearance. Whether it’s your weight, the clothes you wear, or the way you style your hair, someone will always have an opinion.

But here’s the thing – your appearance is a reflection of who you are, and it’s entirely up to you how you choose to present yourself.

Whether you like to dress up or prefer dressing down, love bold hairstyles or something more traditional, your appearance is just that – yours. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you look.

What matters most is that you’re comfortable in your own skin and with your own style.

5) Your past

We all have a past. Some memories are filled with joy and laughter, while others might be tinged with regret or pain. But it’s these experiences that shape us into who we are today.

But here’s the thing – your past is just that, past. It doesn’t define you or determine your future. It’s a chapter in your life story that has already been written.

Whether you’ve had a troubled childhood, a failed relationship, or made mistakes you’re not proud of, it’s important to remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your past.

Your past is personal. It’s okay to keep it to yourself. And it’s okay to move forward without having to justify or explain your history. After all, we’re all works in progress, continually growing and evolving.

6) Your boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state. I once had a friend who believed that our close friendship meant she could drop by my house unannounced at any time.

This was something I wasn’t comfortable with, but I feared that expressing my discomfort might hurt her feelings. Finally, I realized that it was essential to communicate my boundaries despite the risk of upsetting her.

Your boundaries are just that – yours. They’re there to protect your wellbeing and should be respected by others. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for setting these boundaries.

Whether it’s needing time alone, not wanting to discuss certain topics, or asking for respect for your personal space, never feel guilty for prioritizing your needs.

7) Your aspirations and dreams

Everyone has dreams and aspirations. Maybe you dream of travelling the world, starting your own business, or writing a novel. Your dreams are a reflection of your passions and interests, and they’re unique to you.

However, not everyone will understand or support your dreams. And that’s okay. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you aspire to be or do in life.

Always remember, it’s your life and your dreams. Don’t let anyone discourage you or make you feel like you have to justify your aspirations. Keep dreaming and keep striving for what makes you happy.

8) Your self-care routine

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s essential for maintaining good mental health and overall wellbeing.

Whether your self-care routine involves taking a day off to relax, meditating, going for a run, or simply reading a book, it’s personal to you.

Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself. It’s not selfish or indulgent; it’s vital for your health. So take that time for yourself, guilt-free. Your wellbeing is paramount, and you don’t need to justify prioritizing it.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-worth

At the heart of this discussion lies an essential human trait – self-worth. Each of us has the right to our choices, our feelings, our dreams, and our personal space. These elements make us who we are, and they’re not up for discussion unless we choose to share.

Remember the words of Brené Brown, a renowned research professor at the University of Houston, “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.”

Your life is your story. You’re the author, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for the plot twists, the characters you choose to include or exclude, or how you choose to lead your narrative.

So here’s to embracing our individuality, owning our stories, and living our lives unapologetically. Because in the end, we owe ourselves that much.