8 things you should never talk about in public, according to psychology

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | September 9, 2024, 7:43 pm

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a cringe-worthy public conversation, you know that certain topics are better left unsaid.

The reality is, we all have those moments when we say something we probably shouldn’t have. It’s a part of being human.

But according to psychology, there are 8 specific things you should never discuss in public.

Not because they’re taboo, but because they can create discomfort or even damage relationships.

Forewarned is forearmed, right? So let’s jump in!

1) Personal grievances

We’ve all been there. Someone at work or in our social circle has upset us and it seems like a good idea to vent about it in public. However, airing your personal grievances can lead to uncomfortable situations.

Psychologically, this behavior puts others in a difficult position. They might feel obligated to take sides or become involved in a conflict they’d rather avoid.

Moreover, it can damage relationships on multiple levels. If the person you’re venting about finds out, it can escalate the issue. And the people you vent to might start seeing you as someone who gossips or creates drama.

Bottom line: save personal grievances for private conversations with trusted confidants. It’s healthier for you and for those around you.

2) Your diet and exercise routine

You might think that discussing your latest diet plan or exercise routine is a harmless topic. After all, it’s about positive lifestyle changes, right? But not everyone may see it that way.

Firstly, the conversation can unintentionally make others feel self-conscious about their own habits. They might start comparing themselves to you, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Secondly, diet and exercise discussions can often veer into sensitive territory, like body image and weight. This can trigger discomfort or even distress for some people, especially those dealing with body image issues or eating disorders.

So next time you feel like sharing your latest fitness triumph or healthy eating tip, pause for a moment. Is it really the best topic for a public discussion?

3) Your income and personal finances

Money talk can make many people uncomfortable, and there’s a reason for this.

According to studies, our brains process financial losses more intensely than gains, making financial discussions potentially fraught with stress and anxiety.

When you share details about your earnings, it can create a hierarchy in people’s minds or breed resentment. It might also lead to assumptions about your lifestyle and spending habits that aren’t necessarily true.

Money is a deeply personal topic. Keep your financial life private to foster healthier and less complicated social interactions.

4) Illnesses and health problems

Everyone has their own battles to fight, and for some, it might be a health issue. When in public, it’s usually best to avoid discussing your or someone else’s health problems.

Health is a deeply personal issue. Some people might not be comfortable discussing it openly or hearing about others’ ailments. They could be dealing with their own health issues or may have lost someone to a disease.

Also, the person whose health you’re discussing may not want their private information shared so freely.

Let’s be considerate of others’ feelings and respect their privacy. We can show our care and concern in more private settings where the person feels safe and comfortable.

5) Controversial opinions

We all have our own unique viewpoints and opinions. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all platforms are suitable for airing them, especially if they’re controversial.

These topics can include polarizing issues like politics, religion, and social beliefs. While you might feel strongly about these matters, expressing them in public might spark heated debates, create tension, or even offend others.

Not everyone is open to having their views challenged during casual conversations. It’s best to save these discussions for appropriate settings where constructive dialogues are encouraged.

6) Past relationships

It can be tempting to share stories about past relationships, especially when they’ve significantly impacted your life. However, these stories are often best kept to yourself.

For instance, I have a friend who used to constantly talk about his ex-girlfriend in social gatherings. It made people uncomfortable, and it was clear he hadn’t moved on yet. Not only did it create an awkward atmosphere, but it also made his current girlfriend feel insecure.

Discussing past relationships can stir up unnecessary emotions and even cause conflict. It’s important to respect your past, your ex’s privacy, and the feelings of those around you.

7) Negative comments about appearance

We all have our own insecurities, and the last thing anyone wants is for them to be highlighted in public. As such, making negative comments about someone’s appearance is never okay, even if it’s said as a “joke”.

No matter how well-intentioned you might be, judgments or unsolicited advice about someone’s looks can hurt deeply. It can shatter their confidence and make them feel self-conscious.

Whether it’s pointing out a new pimple, critiquing an outfit, or commenting on someone’s weight, such remarks are simply off-limits. Let’s focus on lifting each other up rather than pulling each other down.

8) Gossip

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, avoid gossip. Sharing rumors or unconfirmed information about others not only breaches trust, but it can also seriously harm reputations and relationships.

Gossip can be hurtful and destructive. It creates a negative environment and can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts.

Always remember the golden rule: Treat others how you would want to be treated. If you wouldn’t want someone spreading rumors or private information about you, don’t do it to others. Let’s strive for kindness, respect, and positivity in all our conversations.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of conversation is about more than just knowing what to say—it’s equally about understanding what not to say.

This article has highlighted 8 topics that are best avoided in public conversations, but ultimately, the choice is yours to make.

Respecting these boundaries is not about self-censorship, but rather about fostering healthier and more comfortable social interactions.

Being truly wise involves recognizing and valuing the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding in our interactions with others. It’s about navigating conversations in a way that promotes positivity and unity, rather than discomfort or division.