8 things in life you should always keep private, according to psychology

If someone asks about your salary, you might feel uncomfortable. If someone pries into your love life, you might feel invaded.

That’s the basics of personal boundaries.

But, as with most things in life, it’s not always that straightforward. The human psyche is a tangled labyrinth that sometimes needs a little guidance to navigate effectively.

According to psychology, there are certain parts of your life that should always remain private. And I’m here to tell you about them.

1) Financial details

Money, as they say, makes the world go round.

But as much as it impacts our daily lives, our finances can be a sticky subject to navigate. When to share, when to keep mum – it’s a delicate balance.

Keeping your financial details private is often the best route. It’s not about being secretive or closed off, but establishing boundaries.

Why? Because money can stir up emotions like greed, jealousy, and insecurity. It can change people’s perceptions of you and even affect relationships.

So, unless it’s necessary or you’re comfortable discussing it, your financial details are best kept under wraps.

Sounds like sound advice, right?

2) Personal goals

I’ve always been a dreamer.

Always planning, setting goals, reaching for the stars. But over time, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to keep my personal goals under wraps.

Psychology backs this up. It tells us that when we share our goals, we can feel a premature sense of accomplishment, which can actually decrease our motivation to complete the task at hand.

It happened to me once. I shared my goal of running a marathon with everyone I knew, basking in their praises and admiration. 

But when the time came to train, I found myself lacking the drive. It felt like I’d already accomplished something just by talking about it.

So now, I keep my goals to myself. I work hard in silence, letting my achievements make the noise.

It’s a lesson well learnt, don’t you think?

3) Family disputes

Family dynamics can be complicated and intense. Arguments or disagreements within the family are a common occurrence. 

But as tempting as it may be to vent about it, psychology advises against making your family disputes public.

This is because airing your family’s dirty laundry in public can often escalate issues instead of resolving them. It invites unwanted opinions and judgments, which can further strain relationships.

So, while it might feel good to vent in the moment, keeping family disputes private is often the healthier choice in the long run.

4) Past resentments

We all have them – past experiences or incidents that left a bitter taste in our mouths. It is human nature to hold onto resentments or grudges.

But these are better kept private. Not only does dwelling on these past resentments serve no purpose, but it can also continue to fuel negative emotions.

Sharing these instances with others might paint an unflattering picture, not just of the person you’re resentful towards, but also of yourself. It may also invite unnecessary drama or conflict.

So, remember: the past is behind you for a reason. It’s usually best to let bygones be bygones and focus on the present instead.

5) Personal health matters

Our health is one of our most personal and sensitive aspects. Whether it’s a minor ailment or a major medical condition, it’s not something I enjoy discussing in public.

And there’s good reason for that – sharing personal health matters can often lead to unnecessary worry or anxiety, not just for us but also for those around us.

I’ve found that keeping my health matters private allows me to navigate my journey on my own terms. It gives me control over how I handle things and who I choose to involve.

So, while it’s important to stay connected and seek support when needed, remember that your health matters are your own, and it’s perfectly okay to keep them private.

6) Acts of kindness

We’ve all felt the warm glow that comes from doing a good deed. It’s a beautiful feeling and it’s natural to want to share it.

However, keeping your acts of kindness private can actually enhance your happiness.

When we perform an act of kindness in secret, it becomes a personal treasure, a secret source of joy that is untainted by external validation.

Moreover, keeping it private ensures that the act remains purely altruistic rather than becoming a means to gain praise or recognition.

So, the next time you do something kind, try keeping it to yourself. It might just amplify your happiness.

7) Relationship troubles

Every relationship has its ups and downs. Disagreements, misunderstandings, and conflicts are all part of the package.

But as tempting as it may be to vent or seek advice, psychology suggests that it’s often better to keep relationship troubles private.

Publicizing your problems can invite unwanted opinions and judgment, which can add more stress to an already stressful situation.

Additionally, issues that are made public could potentially damage the trust and intimacy in your relationship.

So, while it’s important to seek help when needed, remember to tread carefully when it comes to discussing relationship troubles. It’s often more beneficial to work through these issues privately with your partner or a trusted counselor.

8) Self-improvement plans

Working on improving oneself is a personal journey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a lot of introspection.

While it might be tempting to share your plans with others for accountability or encouragement, psychology suggests that keeping them private can lead to better outcomes.

This is because sharing can sometimes lead to a premature sense of accomplishment, which can make you less likely to follow through.

Moreover, keeping your plans private allows you to focus solely on your progress without the added pressure of external expectations.

So, when it comes to self-improvement, remember: it’s a personal journey best navigated in private.

The value of privacy

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably realized that maintaining certain aspects of your life as private isn’t about being secretive or closed off. 

It’s about fostering a healthy sense of self, developing personal boundaries, and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Psychology tells us that keeping some things private can lead to better mental health outcomes, less stress, and more fulfilling relationships.

The value of what we keep to ourselves can’t always be measured, but it counts in ways we may not even realize.

Privacy is a personal journey, and it’s not always easy to navigate. But hopefully, these insights have given you something to think about as you continue on your path.

After all, understanding the value of privacy is not just a step towards understanding ourselves better but also a step towards living a more authentic and fulfilled life.

And isn’t that something worth reflecting on?