8 things you should always keep private, according to psychology

In a world where sharing every detail of our lives has become the norm, it’s easy to forget the value of privacy.

What we choose to keep to ourselves can profoundly affect our mental health, relationships, and sense of self.

Privacy isn’t about being secretive; it’s about having control over what you share and with whom.

By keeping certain things private, you maintain a boundary that protects your emotional well-being and preserves your peace of mind.

Here are 8 things that psychology suggests you should always keep private.

They aren’t secrets; they’re simply parts of your life that deserve the respect of privacy.

1) Personal life details

First on the list are the intimate details of your personal life.

See, oversharing these can sometimes create an imbalance in relationships.

You might feel exposed and vulnerable, while others may feel burdened with information they didn’t ask for.

But it’s not just about the discomfort, it’s also about the impact on your mental health.

When you constantly share personal details, you may start to lose your sense of self.

Your private life includes things like your love life, family issues, and emotional struggles. It’s perfectly okay not to broadcast these to everyone.

Keeping some things private doesn’t mean you’re hiding or being dishonest.

It means you’re choosing to protect your mental and emotional health by setting boundaries.

In fact, according to psychology, this approach promotes healthy relationships and contributes to a sound mind.

So keep those personal life details close to your heart.

2) Goals and ambitions

This might come as a surprise, but it can be beneficial to keep your goals and ambitions to yourself.

While sharing your dreams with others can sometimes provide motivation and support, it can also lead to undue pressure.

You may find yourself chasing a goal for the sake of others’ expectations, rather than your own fulfillment.

Furthermore, discussing your ambitions openly can expose you to negativity or discouragement from others, which can derail your progress.

Psychology suggests that when we talk about our goals, it triggers a sense of achievement similar to actually reaching those goals.

This can reduce our motivation to work towards them.

So, choosing to keep your goals private until they’re achieved isn’t about hiding your light under a bushel.

It’s about protecting your drive, determination, and the joy of accomplishment.

3) Income and financial status

Next on our list is your income and financial status.

It’s a common social convention to keep money matters private, but there’s more to it than just avoiding awkwardness.

Discussing finances openly can lead to comparison and unnecessary stress.

It could foster unhealthy competition or feelings of inadequacy if you’re earning less than your peers, or guilt and isolation if you’re earning more.

Even in the digital age, where sharing is just a click away, this is one area where discretion is still highly valued.

Interestingly, studies show that money can’t buy happiness past a certain point.

Once basic needs are met, an increase in income has little impact on overall satisfaction. 

4) Personal grievances or conflicts

We all encounter disagreements or conflicts in our lives, be it with a family member, a friend, or a colleague. It’s part of being human.

However, when these situations arise, it’s often best to keep the details private.

Broadcasting your grievances can exacerbate the situation and make resolution more complicated. It might inadvertently draw others into the conflict who were not originally involved.

Also, sharing such details can lead to biased opinions, which might not be helpful in resolving the issue.

It’s often more beneficial to discuss the matter directly with the person involved or seek advice from a trusted individual.

After all, each person is fighting their own battles.

While it’s important to have outlets for expressing feelings and frustrations, let’s do so in a respectful and considerate manner that promotes healing and understanding.

5) Medical history

We’ve all been there – a casual conversation turns into a detailed discussion about health issues.

It’s natural to share experiences and seek advice, but it’s also important to be mindful of boundaries.

Your medical history is personal and should generally be kept private.

Apart from the fact that sharing such information can lead to unsolicited advice or misinterpretations, it can also make others uncomfortable.

Also, not everyone is equipped to respond appropriately to medical concerns, and you may not always receive the empathy or understanding you’re looking for.

Instead, it’s best to discuss health matters with your healthcare provider or others who are in a position to offer informed advice or support.

This way, you can ensure you’re getting the right information and the care you need.

6) Acts of kindness

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you do something kind for someone?

That’s one of the beautiful things about acts of kindness – they benefit both the giver and the receiver.

Once, I helped a stranger who had lost their wallet. I didn’t broadcast this act on social media or tell all my friends about it, because the act itself was the reward.

Have you ever felt that when you share your good deeds, you can sometimes diminish the joy you feel from doing them?

It can shift our motivation from altruism to a desire for recognition or validation.

Next time you do something kind, try keeping it to yourself.

You might find that the internal satisfaction you receive is far greater than any external recognition could provide.

7) Mistakes from your past

We all have a past, and it’s safe to say that we’ve all made mistakes.

Some of those mistakes may be small and easily forgotten, while others might have had a significant impact on our lives.

However, constantly bringing up past mistakes doesn’t do you any favors.

It can keep you stuck in a cycle of regret and self-doubt, preventing you from moving forward and growing.

The truth is, your past mistakes don’t define you. They’re simply stepping stones that have shaped who you are today.

While it’s important to take responsibility for past wrongs and learn from them, it’s equally important to let them go.

So, keep your past mistakes private, not as a secret burden, but as a sign of respect for your own personal growth journey.

8) Your innermost thoughts and feelings

Last but certainly not least, your deepest thoughts and feelings are yours to cherish.

These are the aspects of your inner world that make you uniquely you.

They include your dreams, your fears, your hopes, and your insecurities.

While it’s healthy and necessary to express emotions, it’s also essential to have a safe space within yourself.

A place where you can reflect, process, and understand your feelings before sharing them with others.

In other words, not everything needs to be shared.

Some things are simply meant to be experienced, understood, and treasured alone.

This understanding can lead to self-awareness, emotional maturity, and ultimately, a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Deciding to keep certain things private isn’t about hiding; it’s about valuing your own boundaries.

Privacy supports your mental well-being and encourages healthier relationships by allowing space for your personal growth.

Holding back on sharing every detail means you can live more authentically, free from the weight of external pressures.

Choosing what to keep to yourself is a way to protect your inner peace and honor your journey.

Use privacy as a tool to enhance your life and preserve what’s most important to you.