10 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for, according to psychology

I’ve always believed that we all have a right to our personal boundaries. Often, we find ourselves explaining or justifying our decisions, feelings, or choices to others. But according to psychology, there are certain things you simply don’t owe an explanation for.

I’ve come to understand that it’s okay to keep some aspects of your life private. You’re not obliged to justify every decision or action to everyone around you.

In this article, I’ll share 10 things which you don’t need to explain or justify to anyone. Trust me, understanding these will not only bring you peace of mind but also strengthen your self-esteem. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Your personal choices

We all make choices every day. From what we wear, eat, or read to bigger decisions like career paths or relationships. Often, we feel the need to justify these choices to others.

But here’s an important thing I’ve learned through my journey in mindfulness and Buddhism: Your personal choices are exactly that – personal. They are a reflection of your individual journey and do not require an explanation to others.

You are the master of your life, and every decision you make is a part of your unique path. Whether others agree or understand is not your responsibility. Your responsibility is to live authentically and mindfully, making choices that align with your values and contribute to your happiness and well-being.

When you find yourself about to justify a personal choice, take a mindful breath and remember – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

2) Your life’s pace

We all progress through life at our own pace. Some people might achieve certain milestones earlier than others, and that’s perfectly okay. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’re not married yet, why you haven’t had kids, or why you’re still in the same job.

In my own life, I’ve faced questions about my unconventional career choice. But through my studies of Buddhism and mindfulness, I’ve learned to respect my unique journey and timeline.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said: “Life is available only in the present moment.”

This quote constantly reminds me to live in the now and appreciate my journey as it unfolds, without rushing or feeling pressured.

Your life’s pace is yours alone. Don’t let societal expectations or comparisons steal your present moment. Live your life at your own speed, and remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

3) Your mental health

Mental health is a deeply personal issue, yet it’s often misunderstood or stigmatized. As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of mental wellness myself, I know how hard it can be to explain your struggles to others.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your mental health condition or your self-care practices. Whether you’re going through therapy, taking a day off for mental rest, or setting boundaries to protect your peace, you don’t need to justify it to anyone.

As a founder of Hack Spirit and a student of psychology, I believe in the importance of understanding and addressing our mental health. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being and make decisions that support your mental health journey. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

4) Your past

We all have a past, filled with experiences that have shaped us into who we are today. But remember, your past is your own, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation or justification for it.

I’m reminded of a quote by the famous mindfulness teacher, Eckhart Tolle: “The past has no power over the present moment.” This emphasizes that while our past may shape us, it doesn’t define us. Our power lies in the present moment and how we choose to move forward.

If you’ve made mistakes or have a history that you’re not proud of, remember that it’s okay. We all have our own journey, with its unique twists and turns. You’re not obligated to share or explain your past to anyone unless you choose to. Your past is a part of your story, but it doesn’t dictate your future.

5) Your pursuit of happiness

We’re all in the pursuit of our own happiness, and there’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap for that journey. What brings you joy and fulfillment might not make sense to others, and that’s okay.

In my own quest for a happier life, I’ve discovered that it often requires stepping away from societal norms and expectations. Whether it’s choosing an unconventional career path or taking up unique hobbies, these are personal choices made in the pursuit of happiness. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for them.

For further guidance on your journey to a happier life, I highly recommend the book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World by Life Transition Coach, Jeanette Brown. It’s filled with practical advice and strategies to navigate life’s messiness and build a happier, more fulfilling life.

So, remember, embrace your unique journey to happiness. You’re not obliged to explain or justify it to anyone.

6) Your relationship status

In our society, people often feel obliged to explain their relationship status. Whether you’re single, divorced, or in a complicated situation, you’ve probably faced a barrage of questions and judgments.

But here’s the thing – your relationship status is your own business. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’re single or why you’re still with that person.

If you’re single and happy, that’s fantastic. If you’re in a relationship and content, that’s wonderful too. Your happiness and contentment are what truly matters.

When someone asks about your relationship status, remember that you don’t owe them an explanation. Your love life is your own, and the only people who need to understand it are you and your partner (if you have one).

7) Your self-care routine

In our busy, stressful lives, self-care has become more important than ever. But often, we feel the need to justify taking time for ourselves.

As a mindfulness advocate, I can’t stress enough the importance of self-care. It’s not a luxury, but a necessity for our mental and physical well-being. And it’s a very personal journey – what works for one person may not work for another.

In my own life, I’ve found that mindfulness meditation and spending time in nature are essential parts of my self-care routine. And I don’t owe anyone an explanation for these choices.

Your self-care routine is about you and your well-being. It’s not selfish or indulgent. It’s necessary. Whether you’re taking a mental health day, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

8) Your boundaries

Setting personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining our mental and emotional health. Yet, we often find ourselves justifying these boundaries to others.

Remember this: You don’t owe anyone an explanation for the boundaries you set. They’re essential for your well-being and self-respect.

The renowned poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, once said: “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” This powerful quote reminds us of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing our own well-being.

Whether it’s saying no to an additional workload or distancing yourself from toxic relationships, remember that setting boundaries is your right. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your peace and well-being.

9) Your alone time

In a society that often equates being alone with being lonely, it’s sometimes hard to justify wanting some alone time. But here’s something counterintuitive I’ve learned: solitude can be incredibly enriching and rejuvenating.

As an introvert myself, I cherish my alone time. It’s when I recharge, reflect, and reconnect with myself. And I don’t owe anyone an explanation for this need.

Whether you’re choosing to dine alone, taking a solo trip, or simply spending a Saturday night in with a good book, remember that it’s your right to enjoy your own company. You don’t have to explain or justify your need for solitude to anyone. It’s about honoring your personal needs and embracing the peace that comes with solitude.

10) Your financial decisions

Money is often a sensitive topic, and many people feel pressured to justify their financial decisions. Whether it’s how you choose to spend your money or your saving habits, these are personal choices that you don’t owe an explanation for.

If you decide to splurge on a luxury item that brings you joy, that’s your decision. If you prefer to save every penny for a rainy day, that’s totally fine too.

Your financial decisions are just that – yours. You’re not obligated to explain or justify them to anyone. As long as you’re making responsible decisions that align with your goals and values, you’re on the right track.

Conclusion

Your life is yours to live, and you don’t owe explanations for your personal choices, pace of life, mental health, past experiences, pursuit of happiness, relationship status, self-care routine, boundaries, alone time or financial decisions.

Remember, your journey is unique and you have the right to navigate it in a way that aligns with your values and contributes to your happiness.

If you need further guidance on building a happier life amidst the chaos of the world, I highly recommend checking out A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World by Jeanette Brown. It’s an insightful guide that provides practical tools to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining your peace and happiness.

You owe it to yourself to live authentically and unapologetically. So go forth, live your life on your own terms, and remember – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.