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9 things you don't owe anyone an explanation for, according to psychology

There's a fine line between being open and oversharing. Psychology tells us that there are certain things in life that we don't owe anyone an explanation for. It's about setting boundaries and protecting our mental health. In this article, we'll explore the 9 things you don't need to justify to anyone, not even yourself. Get […]

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There's a fine line between being open and oversharing. Psychology tells us that there are certain things in life that we don't owe anyone an explanation for. It's about setting boundaries and protecting our mental health. In this article, we'll explore the 9 things you don't need to justify to anyone, not even yourself. Get […]

There's a fine line between being open and oversharing.

Psychology tells us that there are certain things in life that we don't owe anyone an explanation for.

It's about setting boundaries and protecting our mental health.

In this article, we'll explore the 9 things you don't need to justify to anyone, not even yourself.

Get ready to empower your decision-making with a little psychological insight.

1) Your past

We all have a history. Some parts of it are beautiful, others we'd rather forget.

Psychology tells us that our past forms a significant part of our identity. But that doesn't mean you're obligated to share every detail with everyone you meet.

Your past is your story. You have the power to decide what parts to share and what parts to keep to yourself.

Remember, you are not defined by your past but by who you choose to be today. And nobody has the right to demand an explanation for your past actions or experiences.

Owning your narrative means setting boundaries. You don't owe anyone elaborate explanations about your past, unless you feel comfortable sharing.

In the end, it's about respecting your own narrative and understanding that you don't need to justify your past to validate your present.

2) Your life choices

We all make choices. Sometimes, they're great and lead to success, other times, not so much. But every choice, good or bad, is a stepping stone on the path of life.

Here's something that happened to me. I chose to drop out of college to pursue a career in writing. It was a bold move, not without its fair share of raised eyebrows and unwarranted opinions.

People questioned my decision, demanded explanations and predicted doom. But guess what? I didn't owe them any explanations.

Psychology supports this. It emphasizes that our life choices are ours to make and ours alone. You don't owe anyone an explanation for the path you choose to walk on.

If you're happy and content with your choices, that's all that matters. Don't let anyone make you feel like you need to justify your decisions.

3) Your relationship status

Whether you're single, married, divorced or it's complicated, your relationship status is your business. No one else needs an explanation for why you're not married, why you don't have kids or why you're still single.

Interestingly, a study found that people are happier and feel more fulfilled when they stay single compared to when they're in a relationship.

Your relationship status doesn't define your worth or happiness. You don't owe anyone an explanation for why you are in the relationship status you are in. As long as you're happy, that's what truly counts.

4) Your career path

In our society, there's a lot of pressure to follow a traditional career path. But what if that isn't for you? What if your passion lies elsewhere?

Whether you're a corporate lawyer turned baker, or a teacher who decided to become a full-time parent, your career choices are your own. You don't owe anyone an explanation for your career path.

Work is a huge part of our lives. It's crucial to do what makes you happy, not what others expect from you. The only person who should be satisfied with your job is you.

So, go ahead and chase your dreams. Work where you feel valued and fulfilled. And remember, you don't need to justify your career decisions to anyone.

5) Your lifestyle choices

Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you love the city buzz or the calm countryside? Do you prefer a salad over a steak? These are all lifestyle choices that you make.

Just because your lifestyle may be different from someone else's doesn't mean you owe them an explanation. We're all unique individuals with our own preferences.

You don't need to justify your dietary choices, your sleeping habits, or your living arrangements to anyone. Your lifestyle is about what makes you comfortable, what makes you happy.

So, live your truth. Embrace your individuality. And remember, you don't owe an explanation for your lifestyle choices to anyone.

6) Your mental health

Your mental health is a very personal and sensitive topic. You might choose to share your experiences with certain trusted individuals, but you're not obliged to do so with everyone.

It's heartbreaking how mental health is still stigmatized in many societies. But remember, taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness. It's an act of strength.

Taking time off work, seeking professional help, or even just spending a day in bed because you're not feeling up to it - you don't owe anyone an explanation for these things.

Your mental health matters. Give it the care it deserves and don't feel pressured to share more than you're comfortable with. Your journey to healing doesn't need validation from others.

7) Your boundaries

Setting boundaries is a crucial part of maintaining healthy relationships and protecting our well-being. It's something I learned the hard way.

There was a time when I used to say yes to everything, often at the expense of my own peace. I thought it would make people like me more. But over time, it only left me feeling exhausted and unappreciated.

Setting boundaries was a game changer. It meant saying no to things that didn't serve me and prioritizing my own needs. And no, I did not owe anyone an explanation for it.

You have every right to set your own boundaries and stick to them. You don't owe anybody an explanation for needing space or saying no. Your boundaries are a reflection of your self-respect. Honor them.

8) Your personal beliefs

Your beliefs shape who you are and how you perceive the world around you. They can range from your religious views to your stance on social issues.

It's okay to have beliefs that differ from others. In fact, it's these differences that make our world diverse and interesting.

But just because your beliefs may differ from someone else's, doesn't mean you owe them an explanation or justification. Your beliefs are personal to you and you have the right to hold them without having to defend or explain them.

Remember, your beliefs are valid. You don't owe anyone an explanation for what you believe in.

9) Your self-care routine

Self-care is not a luxury, it's a necessity. It's about taking the time to do what makes you feel refreshed, recharged, and happy.

Whether it's a spa day, a quiet walk in the park, or simply curling up with a good book, you don't owe anyone an explanation for your self-care routine.

Never feel guilty for prioritizing your well-being. You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can take care of others. Your self-care routine is your business alone.

Lachlan Brown

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Lachlan Brown is a psychology graduate, mindfulness enthusiast, and the bestselling author of Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. Based between Vietnam and Singapore, Lachlan is passionate about blending Eastern wisdom with modern well-being practices.

As the founder of several digital publications, including Hack Spirit, Lachlan has reached millions with his clear, compassionate writing on self-development, relationships, and conscious living. A long-time vegetarian turned mostly plant-based eater, he believes food should nourish both the body and the spirit — and that conscious choices create powerful ripple effects.

When he’s not writing or running his media business, you’ll find him riding his bike through the streets of Saigon, practicing Vietnamese with his wife, or reading about psychology and Buddhist philosophy over a strong black coffee.

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