We are all inclined to share our experiences and daily accomplishments and successes with others. It is important to us that others are interested in our stories like it is important to them that we are interested in theirs.
Nevertheless, despite our urge to share as much information as we possibly can with others, not all things are subject to the conversation. Privacy is a core aspect of an individual's life, and, indeed, there are things we chose not to share with others. The question that arises, therefore, is this: Which types of things constitute those we should keep to ourselves and why?
We shall critically assess six types of information that are better to remain private and the reasons why they should.
1. The ultimate objectives and goals of our life
As strange as it may sound, letting others know what our highest goals are one of the things we should keep to ourselves, at least until we have achieved them. According to studies, publicly admitting one's intentions may impede them from accomplishing them. This is because the joy we experience by picturing our goals being met when we announce them to another person can significantly affect our motivation to actualize our goals.
2. Private details of your life
Unless you are confident that ultimate trust is established between you and the person you chose to share private information about your life, it is very risky to share your secrets with others. Trusting someone who has not proven worthy of your trust can always backfire and find you in an uncomfortable situation where you need to claim back the privacy of the secret that you shared, but which of course you can never take back.
3. The troubles of your family
All families have problems, but all families also function and handle their problems in their own unique way. So, sharing your family's issues with people outside the family can lead to triangulation where, in the attempt to solve an issue, you invite an outsider to enter the family dynamics, which in turn makes the problem even more complex and harder to solve.
4. The material things and property you own
Displaying your wealth might make you feel good about yourself, but this is not always a good idea. You cannot predict how the other person might interpret this display and whether they will feel comfortable with that information. There are people who can easily misinterpret your intentions, especially people who never had the opportunity to own what you own, so this information might make them feel underprivileged, envious, and even angry.
5. The altruistic acts you perform
Certainly, the world is a largely unfair place and in need of more selflessness, that is, more acts that contribute to the common good and less acts that contribute to personal gain on some people's expense. However good and kind your actions are toward society, some would say that the actions' real value lies in doing them for their own sake. Acting selflessly to achieve praise does not mean much if it is something you wouldn't have done if no one knew.
6. Your finances
Discussing your finances with others is definitely not a smart move. Unless you talk to a person you trust, such as a good friend who has proven to be trustworthy and whom you've known for quite a long time, and you know that they are interested in your overall well-being. But other than those exceptional cases, you should by no means shared with anyone your money as there are not few those who would gladly take advantage of that information.
Always remember that the role boundaries play is to protect our own personal and private space that no one can potentially invade unless you let them.
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