Psychological Insights: 10 Things You Should Never Share with Anyone

We all have secrets.

Some are harmless, while others could potentially damage relationships or reputations if revealed.

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s more important than ever to know what information to keep to yourself.

This article explores ten things that psychologists recommend keeping private for your mental health and well-being.

1. Your income

While it might be tempting to brag about a big raise or complain about your salary, it’s generally best to keep your income private. Discussing money can lead to jealousy, resentment, or unwanted requests for loans. It can also affect how others perceive and treat you.

Financial advisor Sarah Johnson notes, “Sharing salary information can create unnecessary tension in both personal and professional relationships. It’s best to keep these details to yourself unless there’s a specific reason to disclose them.”

2. Relationship problems

Every couple faces challenges, but airing your dirty laundry in public rarely helps. Sharing intimate details about your relationship troubles can :

• Damage your partner’s reputation
• Make reconciliation more difficult
• Cause friends and family to take sides
• Violate your partner’s trust

If you need to talk about relationship issues, consider confiding in a trusted friend, family member, or better yet, a professional counselor.

3. Medical information

Your health is a personal matter. Sharing medical information can lead to unwanted advice, pity, or even discrimination. It’s especially important to be cautious about sharing information related to mental health conditions, as stigma unfortunately still exists.

Dr. Emily Chen, a clinical psychologist, advises, “While it’s important to have a support system, be selective about who you share your medical information with. Choose people who will respect your privacy and provide genuine support.”

4. Family secrets

Every family has its share of skeletons in the closet. Whether it’s a relative’s addiction, a past indiscretion, or a long-held family secret, it’s generally best to keep these matters private. Sharing family secrets can :

• Damage family relationships
• Betray trust
• Cause unnecessary pain or embarrassment
• Lead to family conflicts

5. Your insecurities

While it’s healthy to discuss your feelings with close friends or a therapist, broadcasting your insecurities to the world can make you vulnerable. People may use this information to manipulate or take advantage of you. Moreover, constantly voicing your insecurities can reinforce negative self-perceptions.

Life coach Michael Thompson suggests, “Instead of sharing your insecurities widely, focus on working through them with a trusted confidant or professional. This approach allows for growth without unnecessary exposure.”

6. Future plans

Whether it’s a career move, a surprise for a loved one, or a personal goal, it’s often wise to keep your future plans under wraps until they’re more concrete. Reasons for this include :

• Avoiding unnecessary pressure or expectations
• Protecting yourself from potential sabotage
• Maintaining flexibility in your plans
• Preventing others from copying your ideas

7. Personal grievances

We all have moments of frustration with colleagues, friends, or family members. However, venting these grievances publicly, especially on social media, can lead to :

• Damaged relationships
• A reputation for being negative or difficult
• Escalated conflicts
• Regret when emotions cool down

Instead, consider addressing issues directly with the person involved or seeking advice from a neutral party.

8. Your password and security information

In our digital age, protecting your online security is crucial. Never share passwords, PIN numbers, or answers to security questions. This information should be kept strictly private to prevent :

• Identity theft
• Financial fraud
• Unauthorized access to your accounts
• Potential blackmail or extortion

Cybersecurity expert Alex Rodriguez warns, “Your digital security is only as strong as your ability to keep sensitive information private. Treat your passwords and security details like you would your house keys or social security number.”

9. Someone else’s secret

If someone trusts you with their secret, it’s your responsibility to keep it. Sharing someone else’s private information can :

• Destroy trust in your relationships
• Damage your reputation as a trustworthy person
• Cause harm to the person who confided in you
• Create unnecessary drama or conflict

Remember, a secret shared with you is not yours to tell.

10. Your political views (in certain contexts)

While it’s important to be engaged in civic life, there are times when it’s better to keep your political views private. This is especially true in professional settings or in situations where expressing your views could lead to conflict or discrimination.

Workplace consultant Lisa Green advises, “In many work environments, it’s best to focus on common goals rather than potentially divisive political discussions. Save those conversations for appropriate settings with like-minded individuals.”

The importance of privacy in the digital age

In an era of oversharing on social media, maintaining privacy has become increasingly challenging. However, the psychological benefits of keeping certain aspects of your life private are significant. Privacy allows for :

• Personal reflection and growth
• Maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships
• Protection from judgment or misunderstanding
• Space to make mistakes and learn from them without public scrutiny

Dr. Robert Thompson, a social psychologist, explains, “Privacy is not about having something to hide; it’s about having the space to be yourself, make decisions, and grow without constant external input or judgment.”

When to seek professional help

While keeping certain things private is important, it’s equally crucial to recognize when you need to open up to a professional. If you’re struggling with :

• Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression
• Relationship issues that you can’t resolve
• Trauma or unresolved past experiences
• Substance abuse or addiction

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide a safe, confidential space to work through your challenges.

Balancing openness and privacy

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between openness and privacy. While it’s important to have close relationships where you can be vulnerable, it’s equally important to maintain boundaries and protect your personal information.

Psychologist Dr. Sarah Miller concludes, “Healthy relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. This includes respecting each other’s privacy and understanding that not everything needs to be shared. Learning to balance openness with discretion is a key life skill that contributes to overall well-being and stronger, more authentic relationships.”

By being mindful of what you share and with whom, you can protect your mental health, maintain healthy relationships, and navigate social situations more effectively. Remember, in a world that often demands constant connectivity and transparency, choosing privacy is a powerful act of self-care and personal empowerment.