In a world where sharing every detail of our personal lives on social media has become as natural as breathing, I think it needs to be said that certain truths that don't need an audience. Not every secret is worth telling. Here are 12 times you're better off keeping your mouth shut.
1. Your friend is cheating on hisher significant other.
Most likely, this isn’t a secret you wanted to be the keeper of in the first place, especially if you socialize with your friend and hisher partner with any regularity. But, despite the fact that your friend has put you in an awkward position, this isn’t your truth to divulge. And you don’t want to get in the middle of someone else’s relationship. The safest approach is to advise your friend to either come clean or seek marriage counseling.
2. You think your significant other’s best friend is H-O-T!
There is nothing positive that can come from revealing to the person you’re romantically involved with that you’ve got a thing for hisher best friend. Even if it’s not a thing and just that you find them remotely attractive, still best to keep it close to the vest. Think about how you’d feel if the situation was reversed.
3. The best sex you ever had was with your ex.
Major mistake! I don’t know about you, but I want to believe that I’m the best sex my husband has ever had, whether it’s true or not. Conveying anything other than that will foster feelings of jealousy and resentment.
4. You can’t stand your significant other’s family.
Most of us have been in the unpleasant position of not feeling entirely warm and fuzzy toward at least one person in our partner’s family. The problem is, your partner likely doesn’t feel the same way and sharing these feelings will only put himher on the defensive. If you can grin and bear it through family functions, please do. If not, approach the issue gingerly. And never (ever!) use the word “hate” when referencing hisher immediate relations.
5. You’re dating a co-worker.
To some extent this is dependent on the company by which you’re employed. Some companies ban interoffice dating altogether, in which case not only shouldn’t you tell anyone, but you probably shouldn’t be doing it in the first place. That said, if you truly believe you’ve found the manwoman of your dreams and are planning to spend the rest of your lives together, it might be time for one of you to look for a new job.
6. You’re looking for a new job.
And when you do go searching for that new job — whether it’s because of an office romance or for different reasons altogether, it’s not something to broadcast to your co-workers or your boss. Certainly you want to be respectful and give the proper notice once you’ve found something, but revealing this information too soon may result in your being let go. Or, at the very least, your being left out of future projects and decisions.
7. The intimate details of your sex life.
Do not kiss and tell. OK, fine, you can kiss and tell. But that’s where it should end, especially if you’re speaking to anyone but your closest friend. No one wants to be the recipient of a play-by-play of what goes on behind your closed bedroom doors. It’s tacky and inappropriate.
8. You don’t like animals.
I get it. I’ve never really been a cat person. (See how I phrased that). But I would never be intentionally cruel toward any animal — not even verbally. Most people love their furry friends; they’re essentially children who can’t talk back. So running your mouth about how much you hate their “kids” will only render you persona non grata.
9. You don’t like kids.
If you don’t like kids then don’t have your own. Seriously. But please do keep in mind that the easiest and most effective way to infuriate a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, babysitter — anyone who does love children — is to declare your distaste for them. You'll come off looking like the bad guy.
10. You once did something (a little) illegal.
Unless you were arrested, charged of a crime, or sent to jail and you’re being asked about it on a job application, do not ever admit to doing something illegal, no matter how minor the offense. While you may not believe that stealing gum from a candy shop when you were a teenager or smoking marijuana when your were in college is a big deal, there’s someone out there who will. So, do yourself a favor, and brush your little indiscretion under the rug!
11. You’d rather be alone than with just about anyone.
Believe me, there are times when the notion of sitting on my living room couch with a glass of wine and Chinese takeout while watching the latest train wreck of a reality show seems like the most appealing option above all else. And that’s OK. There's just no need to convey this to your loved ones. They may feel hurt and rejected.
12. You’re lazy.
It’s OK to be lazy sometimes. I think. (Honestly, I wouldn’t know since I’m ragingly Type A). But I do know that it’s not OK to be lazy all the time. Professionally speaking, it will land you in the unemployment line. Personally speaking, you’ll probably end up with a partner or friends who feel like they’re always picking up your slack. And that will breed bitterness. Not to mention that maintaining an active lifestyle is key to living a long, healthy life!
BDST: 1719 HRS, JUNE 09, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
