People who maintain strong boundaries often keep these 8 things private

There’s a clear line between being an open book and maintaining personal boundaries.

See, having strong boundaries isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about preserving your privacy and well-being.

Those who do this well often keep certain things to themselves. It’s not about secrecy, but rather choosing what to share and when.

In this article, we’re going to reveal the 8 things people with strong boundaries often keep private. These insights might just prompt you to reevaluate your own boundaries.

1) Personal life details

Having strong boundaries often means keeping personal life details private.

This isn’t about being secretive or aloof. It’s about understanding that not everyone needs access to every aspect of your life.

People with strong boundaries have a firm grasp on this concept. They recognize the value in their own personal experiences, milestones, and struggles.

They choose wisely who gets to hear their stories and who doesn’t. This is their way of maintaining control over their own narrative and protecting their emotional space.

Remember, it’s not about hiding or being dishonest, it’s about preserving your privacy and well-being. And that’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.

2) Past mistakes and failures

People with strong boundaries understand that their past mistakes and failures are just that – in the past.

Let me share a personal example.

I once made a significant error at work that cost my team a major project. It was a tough pill to swallow and I carried the guilt for a long time. But I didn’t broadcast my mistake to everyone. Instead, I chose to confide in a select few who could provide support and advice.

By keeping that information within my circle, I retained control over how I processed the failure. This approach allowed me to learn from the experience without it becoming part of my public identity.

So, people with strong boundaries often keep their past mistakes and failures private, using them as lessons rather than public stories.

3) Financial circumstances

Money makes the world go round, but it’s also one of the most private aspects of our lives.

People with strong boundaries often choose to keep their financial circumstances to themselves. They understand that sharing this information can create unnecessary complications or judgments.

Consider this: according to a report by CreditCards.com, talking about credit card debt is considered more taboo than discussing politics or religion with someone you’ve just met.

This shows how sensitive financial matters can be. So, people with strong boundaries often consider their financial status as a private matter, only to be shared on a need-to-know basis.

4) Personal rituals and habits

We all have our own quirks and routines that make us, well, us.

People with strong boundaries often keep these personal rituals and habits private. Whether it’s a morning yoga routine, a nightly skincare ritual, or a weekly tradition of ordering takeout from their favorite restaurant, these routines are sacred.

These are personal moments that provide a sense of comfort and stability. Sharing them with others can sometimes dilute their significance or lead to unsolicited advice or judgments.

So, by keeping these private, people with strong boundaries ensure they can enjoy their rituals and habits without outside interference. This in turn helps them maintain their sense of self and individuality.

5) Emotional struggles

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and we all have our emotional struggles to deal with.

People with strong boundaries often guard these emotions closely. They understand that it’s okay to not be okay, and they give themselves the space to process their feelings privately.

This isn’t about bottling up emotions. It’s about choosing who to share them with and when. It’s about seeking support from trusted individuals rather than broadcasting their struggles to all and sundry.

By keeping their emotional struggles private, people with strong boundaries protect their mental and emotional health. They allow themselves the time and space to heal, to grow, and ultimately, to become stronger.

6) Relationship dynamics

Navigating relationships, be it romantic, familial, or platonic, can be a complex process.

I’ve learned from experience that keeping the nuances of these relationships private is often the best course of action. When I went through a particularly difficult break-up, I chose not to share every detail with everyone around me.

Not only did this decision shield me from unnecessary opinions and advice, but it also allowed me to process the situation in my own time and in my own way.

People with strong boundaries often keep their relationship dynamics private. They understand the importance of protecting the sanctity and complexity of their relationships, and they respect the other person’s privacy as well.

7) Long-term plans and dreams

Dreams and long-term plans are deeply personal. They reflect our hopes, aspirations, and the direction we want our lives to take.

People with strong boundaries often choose to keep these dreams and plans private. They understand the power of nurturing their goals in a safe, personal space, free from external influences or judgments.

By doing so, they maintain control over their own journey and can pursue their dreams at their own pace. They can remain focused, undeterred by unnecessary chatter or unsolicited advice.

So, keeping long-term plans and dreams private is another way people with strong boundaries maintain their autonomy and drive.

8) Self-care practices

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a crucial part of maintaining mental and physical health.

People with strong boundaries often keep their self-care practices private. These could be anything from a simple daily meditation routine to regular therapy sessions.

They understand the importance of these practices in maintaining their well-being. And by keeping them private, they create a safe, personal space where they can focus on their needs and well-being without any external distractions or judgments.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-respect

When it comes down to it, maintaining strong boundaries and keeping certain aspects of life private is a reflection of self-respect.

Renowned psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Carl Jung once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” This acceptance extends to recognizing the value of our own privacy and personal space.

Whether it’s our personal life details, past mistakes, financial circumstances, personal rituals, emotional struggles, relationship dynamics, long-term plans or self-care practices, keeping these private is an exercise in self-awareness and self-respect.

People with strong boundaries understand that they are the custodians of their own stories. They have the power to decide who gets to see what, when and how much.

And in a world that’s constantly pushing us to overshare, this sense of privacy becomes a sanctuary – a space where we can retreat, reflect, heal and grow.

So as we navigate through our lives, let’s remember that our boundaries are not walls; they are gates. And it’s up to us to decide who gets the key.