10 things in life you should always keep private (if you want to maintain your dignity)

Let’s talk privacy. In an era where oversharing has become the norm, keeping certain aspects of your life private can be a game changer.

See, maintaining your dignity often comes down to what you choose to reveal and what you decide to keep under wraps.

Sure, transparency is great. But some things? They’re just better kept private. Knowing what to share and what not to share can make a world of difference in how you’re perceived.

In this article, we’ll be diving into the 10 things in life you should always keep private if you want to maintain your dignity.

From personal matters to financial ones, these are aspects of your life that should never make it onto the public stage. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Personal grievances

Let’s face it, we all have our moments of dissatisfaction and disagreements. That’s part of life. But here’s the thing, airing your personal grievances in public isn’t just unattractive, it can also strip away your dignity.

Remember, everyone has their own battles to fight. Just because you’re having a tough time doesn’t mean you should broadcast it to the world.

Sure, it’s okay to seek advice or help when things get rough. But there’s a fine line between seeking help and complaining endlessly about your problems. The latter? Not so dignified.

If you want to maintain your dignity, always remember: personal grievances should be kept that – personal. Handle them privately and respectfully. That way, you won’t just maintain your dignity, but also earn the respect of those around you.

2) Financial status

Once upon a time, I made the mistake of revealing my financial status. It was during a casual conversation with friends. Without thinking, I disclosed my salary and savings. Suddenly, the dynamics of our friendship changed.

From then on, every outing became about who should pay more, every gift was measured against its price tag, and every conversation had an underlying tone of money. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.

I quickly learned that revealing your financial status can lead to unnecessary complications and awkwardness. It can also affect how people perceive and interact with you.

Now, I wisely keep my financial status to myself. It’s a part of my life that is private and not open for public scrutiny or discussion. Trust me, keeping your financial status private not only maintains your dignity but also prevents any unwanted and awkward situations.

3) Past mistakes

In ancient Rome, citizens who committed serious mistakes were often humiliated in public as a form of punishment. This was believed to discourage others from making the same mistake. But let’s face it, we’re not in ancient Rome anymore.

We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. But constantly bringing up your past blunders does nothing more than remind you and others of your fallibilities.

Keeping your past mistakes private doesn’t mean you’re denying them, it means you’re choosing to focus on the present and future instead. You’re not the same person you were when you made those mistakes, so why should they define you now?

Your past mistakes should serve as lessons, not public announcements. Keep them to yourself and use them as a stepping stone towards becoming a better person.

4) Family troubles

Families aren’t always picture-perfect. There can be disagreements, disputes, and even fall-outs. That’s part of being in a family. But these troubles? They’re meant to be resolved within the confines of your home, not in the public eye.

Discussing your family troubles with outsiders can often exacerbate the situation. Not to mention, it can cause unnecessary humiliation and discomfort to your family members.

Just like you wouldn’t appreciate someone else airing your dirty laundry, your family likely feels the same.

When it comes to family troubles, keep them private. It not only maintains your dignity but also respects the privacy and dignity of your loved ones.

5) Personal beliefs

We all have our own set of beliefs and values. They shape us and guide our actions. But here’s the thing, not everyone needs to know them.

Your personal beliefs can be a sensitive topic. They can spark debates, lead to disagreements, or even instigate conflicts.

While it’s okay to share your beliefs with people you trust and who respect your views, it’s not necessary to broadcast them to everyone you meet.

Keeping your personal beliefs private doesn’t mean you’re hiding who you are. It simply means you’re choosing to maintain your dignity and avoid unnecessary disagreements or conflicts. It’s about respecting yourself and others around you.

6) Acts of kindness

We’ve all heard the saying, “the left hand shouldn’t know what the right hand is doing.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to acts of kindness.

When you help someone or do a good deed, it should come from the heart, not for recognition or applause. Broadcasting your acts of kindness can often undermine their sincerity and make them seem like a bid for attention.

When you lend a helping hand, keep it to yourself. Let the act of kindness be its own reward.

In doing so, you’re not just maintaining your dignity, but also preserving the purity of your good intentions.

After all, true acts of kindness are those that are done not for recognition, but simply because they’re the right thing to do.

7) Health concerns

A few years back, I was diagnosed with a health condition. At first, I felt the need to explain my situation to everyone, thinking they would understand my occasional absences or lack of energy. But I soon realized it was opening doors for pity, unnecessary advice, and even some judgment.

Health concerns are deeply personal. They involve not just physical discomfort but can also take an emotional toll. Discussing them openly may not always lead to the empathy or understanding you hope for.

While it’s essential to share your health concerns with close family, friends, or medical professionals who can provide support and help, it’s not necessary to share it with everyone.

Keeping your health concerns private can help you maintain your dignity and avoid unwanted attention or unsolicited advice.

8) Your aspirations

It seems rather odd, doesn’t it? We’re often told to share our dreams and ambitions with the world. But here’s a different perspective: keeping them private can sometimes be more beneficial.

When you share your aspirations, they become open to the scrutiny and opinions of others. Some people may doubt your abilities, question your decisions, or even discourage you altogether. This could potentially sway your conviction and dampen your determination.

On the other hand, keeping your aspirations to yourself allows you to nurture them in your own way, at your own pace. It gives you the space to make mistakes, learn, and grow without the fear of judgment.

9) Love life

Who you’re dating, the ups and downs of your relationship, or the lack thereof, is something that should remain between you and your partner or close confidants.

Publicizing your love life can lead to unwarranted advice, unnecessary gossip, and even unwanted interference. It can also put unnecessary pressure on your relationship.

Plus, it’s essential to respect the privacy of the person you’re with. They may not be comfortable with their personal life being discussed openly.

When it comes to your love life, keep it under wraps. It will help you maintain your dignity and also provide a healthy environment for your relationship to flourish.

10) Self-esteem and self-worth

Your self-esteem and self-worth are your personal treasures. They define how you perceive yourself and how you interact with the world. But remember, they are for you to know and nurture, not for others to judge or critique.

Allowing others to have a say in your self-worth can often lead to a skewed perception of yourself. It can make you dependent on external validation and susceptible to criticism.

It’s essential to remind yourself that your worth is not determined by how others see you but by how you see yourself. 

Final thoughts: The essence of dignity

At its core, maintaining your dignity is about understanding the importance of privacy. It’s about knowing what to share and what to keep to yourself. It’s about drawing a line between public and private.

The truth is, your dignity is closely linked to your sense of self-worth. When you keep certain aspects of your life private, you’re not hiding or being secretive, you’re preserving your sense of self. You’re maintaining your autonomy and personal space.

Remember the words of American author, Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”

Maintain your dignity by valuing your privacy. Be selective about what you share with others. In doing so, you’ll find that you’ll not only command respect but also feel more secure in your own skin.

Because at the end of the day, keeping certain things private isn’t about creating barriers, it’s about respecting yourself and those around you.