10 things smart people always keep private, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

There’s a significant distinction between being an open book and maintaining a sense of privacy.

The contrast boils down to discretion. Keeping certain things private doesn’t mean being secretive, but rather valuing your own peace of mind and personal space.

According to psychology, smart people have a habit of keeping some things to themselves. This isn’t about hiding or being dishonest, but choosing wisely what to reveal and what not to.

This article will unveil the 10 things that smart people always keep private. If you’re keen on cultivating a smart and balanced approach to sharing and privacy, keep on reading!

1) Personal life details

There’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing, especially when it comes to personal life details.

Smart people understand this boundary well. They realize that not every aspect of their personal life needs to be public knowledge.

Psychology supports this approach. Research shows that maintaining a level of privacy around personal matters can contribute to mental well-being and relationship health.

Instead of spilling every detail about their private lives, smart people selectively choose what to share and with whom. This doesn’t mean they are secretive or dishonest, but rather, they value their own privacy and respect others’ as well.

2) Their next move

Let me share a personal example of this point.

Not too long ago, I was preparing for a significant career change. I had been planning it for months, researching, assessing my skill sets, and even secretly taking relevant courses.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t announce it to everyone around me. Even some of my closest friends were unaware until I had taken the leap.

There’s a reason for this. Smart people often keep their future plans to themselves. They understand that sharing every detail of their next move can invite unwanted opinions, unnecessary pressure or even create competitive situations.

Instead, they prefer to work quietly, focusing on their goals and only sharing once they’ve achieved them. It’s not about being secretive; it’s about maintaining focus, reducing distractions, and allowing space for flexibility in their plans.

3) Financial status

Talking about money has always been a bit of a social taboo. However, smart people take it a step further by keeping their financial status private.

Psychology backs this up. Studies have shown that discussing finances can lead to comparisons, competition, and even stress.

Interestingly, a study conducted by Kansas State University found that arguments about money are the top predictor of divorce, beating out conflicts about children, sex, and in-laws.

Keeping your financial status private doesn’t just make you smart; it could potentially save your relationships too. Keep those bank statements and paychecks to yourself – it’s a smarter way to live.

4) Personal beliefs

Personal beliefs, whether they be about religion, politics, or social issues, are often deeply ingrained and can be a source of conflict when confronted with opposing views.

Smart people, aware of this potential for conflict, tend to keep their personal beliefs private. They understand the importance of maintaining respectful boundaries and fostering an environment of acceptance and openness.

This isn’t about hiding who you are or what you believe in. It’s about choosing the appropriate time and place to share these beliefs, and recognizing when it might be more beneficial to listen rather than speak.

After all, in a world full of diverse perspectives, sometimes the smartest thing to do is to simply respect that diversity without feeling the need to challenge it.

5) Family problems

Every family has its share of problems and challenges. Smart people understand that airing these issues publicly isn’t always the best course of action.

Publicizing family issues can lead to unnecessary drama, misunderstandings, or even add fuel to the fire. It can also impact the trust and privacy of other family members involved.

Instead, smart people choose to handle family problems within the family. They seek solutions privately, involving only those who can constructively contribute to resolving the issue.

Maintaining a level of discretion when it comes to family matters is both respectful and wise. It’s not about masking the problem, but about dealing with it in a more contained and effective manner.

6) Past mistakes

We’ve all made mistakes, haven’t we? Some small, some big, and some that we wish we could erase from our memory. It’s an inevitable part of being human.

Smart people understand that while these past mistakes have shaped who they are today, they don’t necessarily need to be shared with the world. They know that everyone has their own journey and struggles.

Instead of dwelling on the past or using it as a conversation topic, smart people learn from their past mistakes and move forward. They focus on evolving and bettering themselves. They choose to define themselves not by their past errors, but by their present actions and future aspirations.

Your past does not define you. It’s okay to keep your past mistakes to yourself and let your actions speak for who you are today. After all, we’re all works in progress, constantly learning and growing.

7) Health issues

A while back, I was diagnosed with a health condition. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it was something that required ongoing attention and care.

I chose to keep this information largely private, sharing it only with those who needed to know. This wasn’t because I was embarrassed or wanted to hide it, but because I understood that my health was a personal matter.

Like me, smart people often choose to keep health issues private. They handle their health with the necessary care and attention without making it a topic of public conversation.

This approach allows them to maintain control over their own narrative and prevents any unwanted pity or speculation. It also respects the privacy of others who may be dealing with their own health issues.

Whether it’s a minor condition or a major illness, remember it’s okay to keep these matters private and focus on your healing.

8) Acts of kindness

In a world that’s full of social media posts flaunting good deeds, it might seem strange not to share your acts of kindness. But smart people often choose to keep these actions to themselves.

The reason is simple: true acts of kindness are done without expectation of recognition or reward. They’re about helping others, not about boosting our own image.

Psychology supports this approach. Studies show that humble people, who don’t boast about their good deeds, tend to have better mental health and higher satisfaction levels.

When you do something kind, consider keeping it to yourself. You may find that the satisfaction of helping someone is reward enough.

9) Personal achievements

Success is sweet and it’s natural to want to share your achievements with those around you. However, smart people often choose to keep their victories to themselves.

This might seem odd at first, but there’s a psychology behind it. Broadcasting your achievements can sometimes lead to unnecessary comparison, envy, or even pressure to continue performing at the same level.

Instead, smart people celebrate their wins privately or with a close circle of loved ones. They focus on the personal satisfaction and growth that comes from their achievement, rather than seeking validation from others.

Your success is about your journey and growth. It doesn’t always need a public spotlight to be valued or worthwhile.

10) Innermost thoughts and feelings

Within each of us is a world of thoughts and feelings that is uniquely our own. Smart people understand the value of keeping this inner world private.

Our deepest thoughts and feelings are precious. They shape our perspectives, drive our actions, and fundamentally make us who we are. Sharing them indiscriminately can leave us vulnerable and open to judgment or misunderstanding.

Instead, smart people choose wisely when and with whom to share these intimate aspects of themselves. They understand that some things are meant to be kept sacred, only shared with those who truly value and respect their inner world.

Guard your innermost thoughts and feelings. They are your personal treasure, meant to be shared with care and discretion.

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