8 personal things you should never reveal to others, according to psychology

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | September 9, 2024, 7:45 am

Let’s face it, we live in a world where oversharing is the norm.

From social media feeds filled with every mundane detail of people’s lives to reality shows that thrive on airing dirty laundry, it seems like privacy is becoming a relic of the past.

But here’s the thing: some things are better left unsaid.

According to psychology, there are certain personal matters that you should keep close to your chest.

Sharing these things can lead to unwanted consequences, from damaged relationships to emotional distress.

So, if you’re ready to take a break from the oversharing trend and protect your inner peace, let’s explore eight personal things you should never reveal to others.

1) Your deepest secrets

There’s something about sharing secrets that bonds people, right? Well, not always.

Psychology states that sharing your deepest secrets can sometimes create an unwanted power dynamic.

The person you’ve shared with may not use this information against you intentionally, but they now have access to your vulnerabilities.

It’s like handing someone a roadmap to your insecurities and fears.

In the wrong hands, this could lead to manipulation or even emotional harm.

So, while it’s good to be open and honest in relationships, be selective about who you trust with your deepest secrets.

Remember, not every detail of your life needs to be an open book.

2) Your personal family issues

We all have our fair share of family drama.

I remember a time when I shared a family issue with a friend, believing it would be cathartic.

While my friend was sympathetic, things changed subtly after that.

I later realized my friend started treating me differently, perhaps perceiving me through the lens of my family problems.

Psychology suggests that sharing personal family issues can lead to judgments and biases.

It might also burden others with things they can’t help with.

So, from my experience, it’s better to solve family issues within the family or seek professional help if needed.

3) Your income

Discussing your income, whether it’s high or low, can lead to unnecessary comparisons and judgments.

It’s interesting that a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that knowing the income of others can decrease our happiness.

Sharing your salary details could result in others perceiving you differently, based on their own beliefs about wealth and success.

So, it’s a good idea to keep your financial status private to maintain healthy relationships.

4) Your past resentments

We all have people or situations in our past that have hurt us.

While it’s important to process these feelings, publicly airing these resentments can paint a negative picture of you.

Psychology suggests that people who consistently share their grudges and bitter experiences are often perceived as negative and stuck in the past.

This can push people away rather than bringing them closer.

So, it’s advisable to deal with your past resentments privately or with a trusted counselor rather than sharing them broadly.

5) Your fears and anxieties

Living in a world where everyone seems to have it all together, it’s tough to admit that we’re scared or anxious.

But here’s the thing, everybody has fears and anxieties.

While it’s healthy to share your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist, constantly revealing these insecurities can make you an easy target for manipulation.

Remember, acknowledging your fears doesn’t mean you need to share them with everyone.

It’s okay to protect your emotional well-being by keeping your worries and anxieties private.

You are not alone in your struggle, and it’s okay to seek professional help if your fears are overwhelming.

6) Your relationship conflicts

Once, I had a big argument with my partner and in the heat of the moment, I shared the details with a colleague.

Later, I realized it was a mistake.

My colleague started acting differently around us, and it affected our work environment.

Sharing relationship conflicts can lead to skewed perceptions and uncomfortable situations.

It’s best to resolve such issues between you and your partner or seek advice from a professional counselor if needed.

7) Your medical history

While it’s essential to share your medical history with your doctor, it’s not necessary to share it with everyone else.

Discussions about health issues can lead to unsolicited advice, unwanted pity, or even discrimination.

Remember, your health is a personal matter.

Unless there’s a specific reason someone needs to know, it’s perfectly fine to keep your medical history private.

8) Your personal life plans

Your goals, dreams, and plans are precious.

Revealing them to everyone could invite unsolicited advice or even discouragement.

Moreover, keeping your plans private allows you to work towards them at your own pace without external pressure or judgment.

So, cherish your dreams and protect them by keeping them close to your heart.

Wrapping it up

So, there you have it – eight personal things that are best kept under wraps.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being secretive or distrustful.

It’s about self-preservation, maintaining healthy relationships, and protecting your emotional well-being.

It’s about recognizing that not every thought or experience needs to be shared with the world.

In a world that often encourages us to overshare, it takes courage to hold back.

But trust me, the peace of mind and the healthier relationships you’ll cultivate will make it all worthwhile.

So, the next time you’re tempted to spill your deepest secrets or air your grievances, take a moment to pause.

Consider the potential consequences and remember that it’s perfectly okay to keep some things private.

After all, a little mystery never hurt anyone, and sometimes, the most profound connections are formed in the unspoken spaces between us.