8 details about yourself you should never discuss with other people, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

Certain lines should never be crossed, especially when it comes to sharing personal details.

After all, oversharing can sometimes lead to awkward situations or even potential harm.

Now, I’m not suggesting you become an enigma, but there are some things about yourself that are best kept private.

In this article, we’ll delve into the eight details about yourself that you should never discuss with other people.

These aren’t just random suggestions — they’re backed by science and designed to help you maintain healthy relationships.

Sit tight and get ready to take some mental notes!

1) Personal financial situation

Money is a tricky subject, and it’s one that can quickly lead to discomfort or even resentment in your relationships.

Discussing our personal financial situation, whether it’s how much we earn, our savings, or our debts, can create an imbalance in how others perceive us.

It can foster feelings of inadequacy or superiority, neither of which are conducive to healthy interactions.

Moreover, this type of information could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.

While it’s important to have open conversations about financial literacy and responsibility, the specifics of your bank statement are best kept under wraps.

This isn’t about keeping secrets – it’s about respecting boundaries and maintaining balance in your relationships.

Your worth is not determined by your net worth.

2) Past resentments

We all have things in our past that we aren’t particularly proud of.

Old grudges, disagreements, or even full-blown feuds can be a part of anyone’s history.

Speaking from personal experience, sharing these past resentments with others can lead to a slew of negative outcomes.

Once, I casually mentioned an old disagreement I had with a friend to another friend.

Unbeknownst to me, they had a close relationship with the person I had the disagreement with.

This led to a chain reaction of miscommunications and hurt feelings.

Discussing past resentments not only dredges up old negativity but can also taint the way others perceive you. It creates an image of someone who holds grudges, which can be off-putting.

Instead, focus on the positives and the lessons learned from past experiences.

We all have our battles, but they don’t define us and they certainly shouldn’t be used as conversation fodder.

3) Medical history

Your health is a personal and private matter.

Sharing intricate details about your medical history can be uncomfortable for others and may even lead to unsolicited advice or judgement.

People who frequently discussed their health issues with others reported lower levels of health and well-being.

While it’s important to have crucial conversations about health with your loved ones and medical professionals, going into nitty-gritty details about your every ache and pain isn’t generally necessary or appropriate in most social situations.

Maintaining a sense of privacy about your health can contribute to your overall sense of well-being.

4) Relationship problems

We all go through ups and downs in our relationships. It’s a part of life.

However, discussing these problems with others can often do more harm than good.

Psychology warns us that sharing intimate relationship issues can lead to bias.

When you share only the problems, people may form a negative opinion about your partner or your relationship as a whole.

Moreover, once the issue is resolved between you and your partner, the person you confided in may still hold onto their negative perception.

It’s crucial to have a support system, but make sure to seek advice from the right people – those who can offer unbiased, objective advice.

As for the rest, keep your relationship problems within the relationship.

This way, you respect the privacy of your partner and maintain the integrity of your relationship.

5) Personal fears and insecurities

We all carry our own set of fears and insecurities. They’re part of what makes us human.

However, these vulnerabilities aren’t always meant to be shared with everyone.

Opening up about your deepest fears and insecurities can sometimes leave you feeling exposed.

This isn’t about hiding who you truly are, but rather about protecting your emotional well-being.

While it’s important to have people you can confide in, not everyone has earned the right to hear about your most personal struggles.

Your fears and insecurities are just one part of you – they don’t define you.

And by choosing wisely who you share them with, you’re taking a crucial step towards safeguarding your emotional well-being.

It’s okay to keep some things close to your heart. It doesn’t make you any less brave or authentic.

6) Negative thoughts about others

We all have moments when we’re less than thrilled with someone in our lives. However, openly discussing these negative thoughts can quickly turn into a habit of gossiping.

I’ve learned the hard way that sharing these kind of thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

I once voiced my frustration about a colleague to another team member, which eventually got back to the person I was frustrated with.

It created an unnecessary tension in the workplace that could have been avoided if I had addressed my concerns directly with the individual involved.

Psychology suggests that instead of talking about someone, it’s better to talk to them.

Open communication can lead to understanding and resolution, whereas discussing negative thoughts with others only fuels negativity.

When you find yourself wanting to vent about someone, consider addressing your concerns directly with them instead.

It’s a much healthier and more respectful approach.

7) Your most embarrassing moments

We all have moments we wish we could erase from our memory.

Whether it’s a clumsy spill or an unintentional faux pas, these embarrassing instances can make for amusing anecdotes, but they can also leave you feeling vulnerable.

Sharing your most embarrassing moments with others might seem like a good way to lighten the mood or show that you don’t take yourself too seriously.

However, psychology reminds us that people often remember negative incidents more vividly than positive ones.

While it’s perfectly fine to share light-hearted missteps, be cautious about sharing those moments that make you cringe.

Not everyone needs to know about that time you tripped on stage or spilled coffee all over yourself during an important meeting.

It’s okay to keep some stories to yourself.

You get to decide what parts of your life you want to share and which ones you’d prefer to keep private.

8) Your personal values and beliefs

While it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, psychology informs us that continually asserting your personal values and beliefs can sometimes result in conflict and misunderstanding.

Our beliefs are deeply personal and often rooted in our upbringing, experiences, and reflections.

Discussing them can lead to heated debates, especially if the other person holds a different perspective.

It’s not about hiding who you are but about cultivating respect and understanding.

You can be true to yourself without making every conversation a platform for asserting your beliefs.

Ultimately, maintaining a mindful balance in what you share about yourself preserves your relationships and contributes to mutual respect and understanding.

Privacy as self-respect

At the heart of this discussion is the importance of understanding and respecting our own boundaries.

Renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud once said, “No one who, like me, conjures up the most evil of those half-tamed demons that inhabit the human breast, and seeks to wrestle with them, can expect to come through the struggle unscathed.”

While Freud’s words may seem dramatic, they hold a kernel of truth about the nuances of human interaction.

haring certain details about ourselves can sometimes summon those ‘half-tamed demons,’ leading to misunderstandings, judgments, or even harm.

The art of knowing what not to share is as important as knowing what to share.

It’s a balancing act that involves understanding human nature, valuing your privacy, and respecting others’ boundaries.

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