Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and someone who’s passionate about mindfulness.

Today, I want to explore an intriguing aspect of psychology that might surprise you.

We often think sharing certain personal details is harmless or even helpful, but psychology suggests that some things are better left unsaid.

Why? Because opening up too much can sometimes lead to misinterpretation or even judgment from others.

In this article, I’ll walk you through seven things you should never reveal about yourself, according to psychology.

It’s fascinating and could change how you think about sharing. So, let’s dive in!

1) Your personal life details

Let’s kick off with something that might seem obvious but is often overlooked: our personal life details.

As humans, we have a natural urge to share our lives with others. We talk about our weekend plans, our family, our likes and dislikes. But there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

The reality is, not everyone needs to know everything about you. Sharing too much can leave you vulnerable to judgment and misinterpretation. It might also create an impression of oversharing or self-centeredness.

Remember, there’s power in maintaining a bit of mystery and privacy. It allows you to control your narrative and protect your personal space.

As the famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” 

2) Your financial status

This is a touchy subject that I’ve personally learned to navigate carefully.

Back in my early days of Hack Spirit, I was experiencing some financial ups and downs – as any new business owner does.

In an attempt to be transparent, I shared my struggles with a colleague. Instead of the supportive response I expected, I was met with judgment and unsolicited advice.

It made me realize that sharing financial details can sometimes trigger negative responses, comparison, or even envy. It’s a delicate topic that can alter people’s perceptions of you in ways you might not anticipate.

Psychology affirms that it’s often best to keep your financial status to yourself. Money matters are personal and revealing them can lead to unnecessary complications.

3) Your past mistakes

As Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, put it: “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

We all make mistakes. It’s a part of being human. But here’s the thing: not everyone needs to know about every misstep you’ve made along the way.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the importance of learning from our mistakes, but also maintaining a sense of discernment about who we share these experiences with.

You see, discussing past errors can sometimes erode others’ confidence in your current abilities. It can also lead to unwanted judgment or bias about your character.

Of course, there are situations where sharing your mistakes can be beneficial, like when it is to guide someone from making the same errors or to illustrate personal growth.

But outside these contexts, it’s often best to keep your past mistakes to yourself. 

4) Your insecurities

We all have insecurities. They are a normal part of human existence. However, it’s not always beneficial to lay them out for everyone to see.

Revealing your insecurities can sometimes lead others to perceive you as less confident or competent.

It might also invite unsolicited advice or judgment, which can further exacerbate these feelings of insecurity.

Instead of sharing your insecurities with everyone, try working through them with a trusted friend, a mentor, or a mental health professional.

This provides a safe space for you to express your feelings without the fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

Moreover, psychology recommends practicing self-compassion and self-love to address these insecurities. Acknowledge them as part of your human experience and work towards accepting yourself just as you are.

As the influential psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Embrace your insecurities privately and use them as catalysts for personal growth instead of letting them define you in the eyes of others.

5) Your most ambitious goals

Here’s a surprising one. You might think sharing your big dreams and goals would garner support and encouragement. However, psychology suggests it’s often best to keep these to yourself.

According to a study, when you announce your goals to others, you’re less likely to achieve them. This is because the act of sharing your ambitions can give you a premature sense of completeness.

You feel as if you’re one step closer to achieving your goal, even though you haven’t put in the work yet.

Additionally, sharing can open up your goals to scrutiny and skepticism from others, which could potentially dampen your motivation.

So, instead of announcing your goals, focus on the journey. Celebrate your small wins privately or with a select group of people who genuinely support and inspire you.

6) Your good deeds

We’ve all been taught that it’s important to do good in the world. However, constantly broadcasting your good deeds can sometimes come off as insincere or self-promoting.

It’s wonderful to help others and make a positive impact in the world. But when you share these actions for validation or praise, it can detract from the genuine goodness of the act.

Instead, let your actions speak for themselves. Carry out your good deeds quietly and let their impact be the reward.

This approach not only preserves the purity of your intentions, but also fosters a genuine sense of humility and kindness.

7) Your family drama

Even in the most harmonious families, there are disagreements and dramas. But airing these familial issues publicly can create unnecessary tension and often invites unwanted advice or judgment.

It’s natural to seek support during tough times, but it’s often more beneficial to confide in a trusted friend or professional.

They can provide objective advice and a safe space to express your feelings, instead of turning family issues into public gossip.

Every family has its quirks and disagreements. But these are personal matters that should be resolved within the family unit or with professional guidance.

As Erik Erikson, a prominent psychologist known for his theory on psychosocial development, put it: “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.”

So let’s cherish our family ties and handle our disagreements with respect and privacy.

8) Your medical history

While it’s important to share pertinent health information with your doctor, it’s often best to keep your medical history private in other situations.

Discussing health issues can invite unsolicited advice or even lead to discrimination or bias. It can also make others unnecessarily worried or uncomfortable.

Of course, there are exceptions. If you’re dealing with a health issue that requires support from those around you, it’s absolutely okay to share with people you trust.

But in general, it’s wise to discuss medical matters only with healthcare professionals who can provide accurate advice and treatment.

Final thoughts: The power of discretion

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how such practices of mindfulness and self-awareness can enhance our lives.

Sharing moments can be cathartic and connect us with others. However, as we’ve explored today, there are certain things best kept to ourselves.

The art of discretion is a powerful tool that allows us to maintain control over our narrative, protect our mental space, and foster genuine relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.