5 Things Smart People Refuse To Share About Their Lives Once They Respect Themselves Enough To Know Better
fizkes / Shutterstock The smartest people all know that it's best to keep certain details about their lives to themselves. While oversharing is something that most of us have been guilty of at some point in our lives, do your friends really need to know the dirty details of your argument with your boyfriend? And how do you think your partner might feel about having their business aired out?
Keeping things to yourself isn't about being secretive; it's about setting boundaries and protecting yourself. Truly intelligent people know that they don't need validation or judgment from others. They're just happy living their lives the way they want to.
Here are 5 things smart people who respect themselves refuse to share about their lives:
1. Their finances
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Someone's financial situation can reveal a lot about their life choices and priorities. Many prefer to keep things private for their safety and to avoid judgment from others. After all, money can significantly change how others treat you.
If someone knows how much money you have or how you choose to spend it, they may feel entitled to give advice or pressure you. Keeping your finances private ensures you have autonomy without outside influence.
2. Their life goals
Sharing your goals out loud can, unknowingly, invite others to project their expectations or doubts. Smart people like to protect their desires and ambitions before they've come to fruition.
Also, privacy helps maintain discipline. People with self-respect don't need validation from others to stay motivated. They simply let the results speak for themselves.
Studies have discovered that publicly sharing your intentions can actually make you less likely to follow through on them. You may think that declaring your goals can help hold you accountable, but social recognition may reduce your efforts to achieve them.
3. Their relationships
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Every relationship has its challenges. Once details are shared publicly, they can be misunderstood or retold. Smart people tend to keep things private out of respect and consideration for the other person.
And this goes for friendships, too. At its core, being selective about discussing relationships shows loyalty and emotional intelligence. Others will want to be around you if they know they can trust you not to share their business.
The Relationship Suite claims, "You and your partner need to establish boundaries and remember that you are a team. There needs to be an agreement that you will both protect each other and the relationship. Assure each other that protecting the privacy of the relationship is the priority. You are committed to each other and can work through the conflict privately, and in a healthy way."
4. Their big wins and successes
Humility is highly valued by smart people. They know they don't need to prove anything and that their achievements are genuine, regardless of whether others recognize them.
Attention and glory aren't something smart people strive for. Silence avoids being mistaken for bragging or boasting. They may open up to some close friends or family, but they do it with purpose.
5. Their past
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Smart people are self-aware enough to know that their past doesn't define who they truly are. They don't want to be reduced to their previous choices and mistakes. Besides, not everyone has earned the right to that level of vulnerability.
Setting this boundary protects their emotional energy. They aren't hiding things, but they are making a conscious choice of when, how, and with whom they feel comfortable sharing information about themselves.
Kayla Asbach is a writer currently working on her bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
