7 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

Feeling obligated to lay bare all your personal choices, decisions, and actions? Don’t. According to psychology, there are some things for which you really don’t owe anyone an explanation.

We’re often taught the importance of transparency and honesty, but there’s a fine line between being open and feeling compelled to justify every move we make.

Sometimes, it’s the quiet affirmation of our own choices that bolsters our authenticity and personal growth.

Here’s a comforting reminder: there are certain parts of our lives where we hold the power to choose – with no explanations required.

Read on as I unveil seven things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for, curated from psychological insights.

This isn’t about being secretive; it’s about understanding that some things are just for you. And that’s perfectly okay.

1) Your personal boundaries

We all have our own set of personal boundaries. They reflect our values, our comfort zones, and our sense of self.

And guess what? You don’t owe anyone an explanation for these boundaries.

These might be physical boundaries (like personal space), emotional boundaries (like how much personal information you share), or even digital boundaries (like who you friend on social media).

It’s entirely up to you to determine these lines.

Sigmund Freud once said, “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” And it’s in maintaining these personal boundaries where we find our strength, our authenticity.

You are not obligated to justify why you’ve set certain boundaries.

They are essential for your well-being and they don’t need an explanation. It’s not about being rigid or inflexible, rather it’s about understanding your own needs and respecting them.

Here’s a gentle reminder: Your personal boundaries are just that – personal.

And that’s something you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.

As in all things, balance is key.

Boundaries should never be an excuse to avoid healthy communication and interaction, but they are a tool for maintaining a sense of self – no explanations necessary.

2) Your life priorities

Life is all about choices and priorities. We are constantly making decisions that shape our lives. And you know what? You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your life priorities.

For instance, I decided to take a break from my corporate job to focus on personal writing and self-discovery. I received mixed reactions – some were supportive, others confused.

But I realized I didn’t need to explain or justify my decision. It was my priority, my life.

In the wise words of Carl Jung, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

And becoming who we truly are often means realigning our life priorities according to our own values and not society’s expectations.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’ve chosen a particular career path or why you’ve put certain things at the top of your “to-do” list.

Your priorities are your own, and they’re subject to change as you grow and evolve.

It’s your journey. You get to decide the road map without having to justify every turn you make.

3) Your self-care routine

Ever felt judged for taking time out for yourself?

Here’s the raw, honest truth: Self-care is not selfish, and it doesn’t require an explanation or justification.

I remember when I first started prioritizing self-care, and I faced a lot of backlash. “You’re being lazy.” “You’re neglecting your responsibilities.”

The voices were loud, but my need for self-care was louder.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow once stated, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

And that awareness begins with self-care. It’s about recognizing your needs and taking steps to meet them.

Whether it’s a quiet hour with a book, a solo trip, or simply saying ‘no’ when you’re overwhelmed, you owe no one an explanation for taking care of yourself.

It’s your right to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Let’s make this clear: Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your own well-being. Because at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

4) Your relationship status

In a society that often values us based on our relationship status, it’s easy to feel pressured to explain why we’re single, in a relationship, or in between.

But here’s a reality check: Your relationship status is your business, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

Whether you’re in a relationship, single by choice or by circumstance, it’s your life.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’re not married, why you’re not dating, or why you’ve chosen to stay in a certain relationship.

Your worth is not defined by your relationship status.

Your value comes from who you are, not who you’re with.

5) Your lifestyle choices

We all lead different lives, with different preferences, habits, and ways of doing things.

And despite what others might think, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your lifestyle choices.

I’ve always been a night owl, preferring the quiet solitude of late nights over early mornings.

Yet, I’ve often faced criticism for this preference. But I’ve come to realize that it’s my life and my choice.

As the renowned psychologist Albert Ellis said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

Whether it’s the food you eat, the clothes you wear, or the way you choose to live your life – these decisions are yours to make.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for living authentically and choosing what aligns with your values.

It’s your life. Make choices that reflect who you truly are, not who others want you to be.

6) Your failures

Here’s something you might not expect: You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your failures.

We live in a society that often shames failure and glorifies success.

But failure is a fundamental part of growth and learning. It’s not something to be hidden or explained away; it’s something to be embraced.

Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck has extensively studied mindsets and their impact on our lives.

She says, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

You failed an exam, a business venture didn’t work out, or a relationship ended – these are not matters of shame but stepping stones towards growth.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your failures. They’re part of your journey, not the destination.

It’s through failure that we learn our most valuable lessons. Embrace these moments and use them as fuel for your future success.

7) Your past

Your past is just that – past. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

As Carl Jung wisely put it, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Your past experiences, good or bad, contribute to your growth and shape who you are today.

But you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your past.

It’s your journey, and you have the power to choose how it influences your present and future.

Remember, where you come from is not as important as where you’re heading.

Final thoughts

Navigating through life’s complexities often requires us to stand firm in our choices, even when they do not align with societal norms or expectations.

You hold the pen that writes your narrative, and every decision, every line, every word, is yours to dictate.

Your personal boundaries, your life priorities, your self-care routine, your relationship status, your lifestyle choices, your failures, and your past – these are all integral parts of your journey.

They shape you, mould you and give essence to your being.

You owe no one an explanation for these facets of your life – they are uniquely yours, a testament to your individuality.

As you forge ahead in this journey called life, remember to carry with you the essence of who you truly are – unapologetically and without explanation.

Because in the end, it’s not about how others perceive us, but how we perceive ourselves.

It’s about staying true to our core, honoring our authenticity and embracing our individuality.

And that’s something we should never have to justify or explain.

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