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

There’s a fine line between opening up to others and sharing too much information.

Understanding this distinction is essential, especially when considering the potential psychological consequences. Discussing certain aspects of your life can sometimes create unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, or judgments.

According to psychology, there are specific topics about ourselves that we should avoid sharing with others. And believe me, being aware of these can save you from a lot of awkward situations.

Let’s dive into those 8 things about yourself you should never discuss with other people.

1) Your personal grievances

Let’s face it, we all have our share of gripes and grievances.

However, delving into these with others, particularly those who aren’t close to us, can create an uncomfortable dynamic. Psychology suggests that it can affect how people perceive us and even strain relationships.

Sharing personal grievances can paint a picture of negativity, and believe me, nobody likes to be around a constant complainer. It’s important to remember that every person is dealing with their own set of challenges.

When when you’re tempted to vent out your frustrations, take a pause. Consider if sharing this information is really necessary or beneficial.

There’s a significant difference between seeking advice for a problem and dumping your issues on others.

2) Your past mistakes

We all make mistakes, it’s part of being human. But oversharing about these blunders can be a psychological no-no.

For instance, I remember a time when I divulged a past mistake to a colleague. It was about a project I had goofed up in my previous job. I thought sharing this would make me appear humble and honest.

However, the reaction wasn’t as expected. My colleague started perceiving me as less competent and began questioning the decisions I made at work.

From then on, I realized that it’s not always wise to discuss your past mistakes with others, especially in professional settings. This doesn’t mean you should hide your errors, but rather, be mindful of who you’re sharing them with and how it may impact their perception of you.

Learning from mistakes is crucial, but constantly bringing them up can sometimes do more harm than good.

3) Your financial situation

Money is a sensitive topic in nearly every culture. Whether you’re struggling or swimming in wealth, discussing your finances can lead to awkwardness, envy, or even resentment.

People are seven times more likely to share their number of sexual partners than their salary details.

This shows how discussing financial matters can often be seen as taboo. It can create unnecessary tension and even affect relationships.

4) Your personal beliefs

Personal beliefs, whether they’re about politics, religion, or social issues, can be highly divisive.

While it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, engaging in deep discussions about these topics can lead to heated debates and potential conflicts.

People tend to be passionate and defensive about their beliefs, and opposing views can sometimes strain relationships.

Unless you’re certain that the conversation will remain respectful and open-minded, it’s often best to keep your personal beliefs to yourself.

5) Your deepest insecurities

We all have insecurities, it’s part of being human. But sharing these with just anyone may not always be the best idea.

These insecurities often lie close to our hearts and revealing them to others can make us feel vulnerable. Not everyone may handle this information with the sensitivity it deserves.

Moreover, discussing your deepest insecurities can sometimes lead others to develop a skewed perspective of who you are. They might see you through the lens of these insecurities rather than acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments.

It’s important to discuss your feelings and fears, but choose the listener wisely. A trusted friend, a loved one or a professional counselor who can provide support and perspective is usually a better choice than a casual acquaintance or colleague.

6) Your family drama

Family matters can be complex and emotionally charged. A while back, I had a falling out with a cousin over a misunderstanding. It was a tough time, and in the heat of the moment, I discussed it with a few colleagues at work.

This turned out to be a mistake. Not only did it make some people uncomfortable, but it also changed their perception of me. I became the person with “family issues,” which was not how I wanted to be seen.

Sharing family dramas can lead to judgments and misconceptions about you. It’s often best to keep these matters within the family or discuss them with a trusted friend or counselor, rather than sharing them in professional or casual social settings.

7) Your medical history

Discussing your medical history can be a tricky business. While it’s vital to share necessary information with those who need to know, like your doctor or emergency contact, divulging these details to others can lead to awkward situations or unnecessary worry.

Not everyone is comfortable hearing about medical issues, and some might even react negatively. Moreover, discussing health problems can sometimes lead to unsolicited advice or even stigma, particularly if it’s related to mental health.

Unless it’s necessary or you feel completely comfortable doing so, it’s often best to keep your medical history private.

8) Your secrets

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Secrets are meant to be kept, not shared.

Revealing a secret, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, can damage trust and relationships. It’s a breach of confidence that can have long-lasting consequences.

If something is labeled a secret, it’s usually for a good reason. Respect that boundary and keep it to yourself.

Wrapping it up: It’s about respect

At the end of the day, understanding what to share and what to keep to yourself has a lot to do with respect.

Respect for other people’s comfort zones, respect for the relationships you have, and, most importantly, respect for yourself.

Psychology suggests that maintaining certain boundaries in our conversations not only preserves our own mental well-being but also strengthens our interpersonal relationships.

We’re all complex individuals with multi-faceted lives. The way we choose to present ourselves and the details we choose to share can significantly shape how others perceive us.

So, the next time you’re about to share something personal, take a pause. Reflect on whether it’s necessary, how it might impact your relationship with the listener, and if it respects the boundaries of your personal space.

Remember, your story is your own. You get to decide what chapters you share, and which ones you keep just for yourself.

The post 8 things about yourself you should never discuss with other people, according to psychology appeared first on Personal Branding Blog.