10 explanations you don’t owe anyone, according to psychology

We often find ourselves in situations where we feel the need to explain our actions or decisions. But guess what? You don’t always have to.

According to psychology, there are particular instances where you don’t owe anyone an explanation. It’s about your choice, your space, and your boundaries.

Psychology tells us that it’s okay to prioritize our own needs and not feel guilty about it. That’s right. You do you.

In this article, we’ll delve into the 10 explanations you don’t owe anyone. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Your Personal Boundaries

Look, we all have a personal space, both physically and emotionally. And it’s critical for our mental health to maintain these boundaries.

Psychology tells us that it’s not just okay, but essential to establish and uphold our personal boundaries. It’s your personal zone, your comfort level, and you have every right to protect it.

When someone crosses these boundaries, you don’t owe them an explanation for your discomfort or for wanting to maintain that distance.

You don’t have to justify your need for personal space, or why certain actions make you uncomfortable. It’s about your well-being, and that’s enough of a reason.

Protecting your boundaries is not about being selfish or rude, it’s about self-preservation. And you don’t owe an explanation for prioritizing your own mental health.

2) Your Life Choices

We all make choices in life, big and small. And each of these choices shapes who we are and the paths we tread.

I remember when I decided to switch careers, from corporate finance to becoming a freelance writer. People were baffled, some even questioned my choice outright.

But here’s the thing – it was my choice to make. I didn’t owe anyone an explanation for why I wanted to trade in my lucrative job for a more uncertain path. The thrill of creating something new, the flexibility of working from anywhere, and the joy of doing what I loved – these were reasons enough for me.

Your life choices, be it your career, your partner, your lifestyle, are yours to make. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for deciding what feels right for you.

Whether you’re choosing to live in a bustling city or in the tranquil countryside, opting for a traditional or unconventional career path, remember that it’s your life. You don’t have to justify your choices to anyone else.

3) Your Self-Care Routine

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days, it’s about doing what you need to recharge and refresh. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Did you know that the World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress? This highlights the importance of taking time for ourselves, to rest and recover.

If you decide to say no to a social event because you need some downtime, or if you need a break from work to avoid burnout, that’s perfectly okay. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself.

When you choose to prioritize your self-care routine over other commitments, remember that it’s not just okay, but necessary. No justification required.

4) Your Relationship Status

In a society that puts a lot of emphasis on romantic relationships, being single or in an unconventional relationship can sometimes draw unsolicited attention and questions.

Whether you’re single by choice, in a long-distance relationship, or in a non-traditional relationship, it’s your prerogative. Your relationship status is a personal matter and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

It’s also important to remember that being in a relationship is not the only pathway to happiness. Studies have shown that self-contentment and personal growth are equally significant for overall well-being.

No matter what your relationship status is, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for why it is what it is. Your happiness and satisfaction are what truly matter.

5) Your Dietary Choices

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or a meat-lover, your dietary choices are yours alone. Food is a personal choice and often tied to cultural, ethical, or health reasons.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you eat what you eat. As long as your diet is keeping you healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.

In a world where food trends come and go, remember that you don’t have to justify your dietary preferences or choices to anyone. It’s your plate, fill it with what feeds your body and soul.

6) Your Grieving Process

Grief is a deeply personal experience and everyone handles it differently. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and there’s certainly no set timeline for healing.

Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any other significant loss, it’s your journey. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to navigate through your grief.

During these trying times, it’s okay to put yourself first. It’s okay to take time to heal, to feel your emotions fully, and to seek comfort in whatever ways help you cope.

Your grieving process is your own. You don’t have to justify it or explain it to anyone. In times of sorrow, allow yourself the grace of healing at your own pace.

7) Your Past

We all have a past, filled with experiences that have shaped us into who we are today. But it’s just that – our past.

I’ve had moments in my life where past mistakes or experiences seemed to cast a long shadow. Moments where I felt the need to explain my past to justify my present. But I’ve learned that I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my past.

Your past is your own personal journey, filled with lessons learned, and roads traveled. It’s a part of you, but it doesn’t define you.

Whether your past is filled with achievements or challenges, remember you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it. You’re not defined by your past, but by who you choose to be today.

8) Your ‘No’

Saying ‘no’ can sometimes seem like the hardest thing to do. Ironically, it’s often the most important word we need to use for our own well-being.

Many of us feel obligated to justify our ‘no’, to provide a reason for turning down an invitation or declining a request. But here’s the twist: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for saying ‘no’.

Whether you’re saying no to an extra workload, a social event, or anything else that you’re not comfortable with, your ‘no’ is enough. It’s a complete sentence, and it doesn’t require any further explanation.

When you choose to use this powerful two-letter word, remember, you don’t have to justify it. Your ‘no’ is valid just as it is.

9) Your Parenting Style

Being a parent is one of the most challenging roles there is, and everyone has their own unique approach to it.

Whether you’re a strict disciplinarian, a free-range parent, or somewhere in between, your parenting style is your own. As long as you’re providing a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for your child, you’re doing just fine.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to raise your children. Your family, your rules.

Whether you’re co-sleeping, homeschooling, or limiting screen time, remember that every family is unique. You don’t have to justify your parenting choices to anyone.

10) Your Happiness

At the end of the day, your happiness is paramount. It’s the ultimate goal we all strive for in our lives.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what makes you happy. Whether it’s your hobbies, your career, your relationships, or your lifestyle choices, if it brings you joy, that’s all that matters.

You don’t have to justify your sources of happiness or explain why certain things make you smile. Remember, your happiness is your own. Cherish it, protect it, and never feel the need to explain it.

The Takeaway: Embrace your autonomy

The breadth of human behavior and individuality often ties back to our psychological tendencies and perceptions.

One such tie-in is the concept of personal autonomy and its crucial role in our sense of self and well-being.

Personal autonomy—the capacity to decide for oneself and pursue one’s own course in life—is a fundamental aspect of human psychology. It’s the cornerstone of self-identity, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

When you realize that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices, boundaries, or preferences, you’re embracing your autonomy. You’re acknowledging that your life is yours alone to navigate.

Whether it’s choosing a career path, setting personal boundaries, or saying ‘no’, remember that it’s okay to make decisions without having to justify them to others.

In essence, the only approval you need is your own. And realizing this can be a liberating revelation. It can lift a weight off your shoulders, freeing you from the unnecessary burden of explanation.

So as you journey through life, embrace your autonomy. It’s not just about asserting your independence but about honoring your individuality. Remember, you are your own person, with your own journey and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.