To Say or Not to Say?
When catching up with a friend, you might feel compelled to update them on anything and everything. Maybe it's about an argument you and your partner had, or a rumor you heard about an old coworker. While these topics might be fine to share privately, it's a whole different matter to bring them up in places where everyone can hear. From relationship conflicts to personal hygiene, here are 20 things you shouldn't discuss in public.
1. Finances
Whether it's about how much money you're making or any financial problems you're facing, this kind of conversation should be kept private (or shared only with a financial advisor). Not only can it be a sensitive topic to discuss in public about, it can reveal personal information to those who weren't meant to hear.
2. Relationship Conflicts
No matter if it's a small or bigger conflict, conflicts in a relationship shouldn't be spoken about out loud in public. If you're seeking advice from a trusted friend or two, choose a place that's secluded and quiet enough so others can't listen in.
3. Mental Health
This isn't to say that you shouldn't talk about mental health at all. In fact, it's healthy to be open about your struggles so that others can lend an ear or a shoulder when you need it. But to some, sharing stories about mental health can make them feel vulnerable and exposed, so it's best to only discuss this topic if you're both comfortable doing so.
4. Grief
It should go without saying that grief is a sensitive topic. Unless the person who's going through the emotion opens up first, refrain from asking about it. Those going through the passing of a loved one need time—and sometimes, lots of it—to heal first before they'll be ready to talk about it.
5. Body Image
Though social media continues to influence us on what's seen as the beauty ideal, avoid bringing it up in conversation. More importantly, don't make assumptions about others. Everybody leads different lifestyles and routines, and our unique appearances should be celebrated, not scrutinized.
6. Health Problems
Health issues, like chronic diseases, terminal illnesses, or other disorders, should be spoken about with doctors and family members. While you might not know, anything about health is considered confidential information, so avoid discussing it in public.
7. Rumors & Gossip
We get it: sometimes you can't help but gossip. If it's lighthearted and you're not speaking badly about someone or tarnishing their image, the occasional silly rumor or two is fine. But once it starts spiraling into something more personal and spiteful, stop. Talk about it in private, or better yet, don't talk about it at all.
8. Offensive Jokes
Making offensive jokes about certain groups or people is bad enough, but saying these so-called jokes out loud in public? Stop. Come up with new, non-offensive material. You wouldn't want others making awful jokes about you, so don't do it to others.
9. Intimacy
Sometimes, you just want to share how great your intimate life is with your partner. Maybe it's a spicy story, a silly one, or even an embarrassing, walk-of-shame one. Though it's fine to talk about every last detail with your friends, you probably shouldn't let the whole world know about it, too.
10. Gender Identity & Orientation
Unless this topic is one you or someone else is comfortable discussing, conversations about orientation or gender identity should be kept private and shared with trusted friends and family. You should also never talk or make assumptions about another person's identity or preferences without their consent.
11. Taxes
Similar to finances, you should only talk about taxes with your accountant or a tax consultant. Anything to do with money is sensitive information, after all. But if you're just bemoaning about taxes in public to relieve your stress and frustration, then that's totally understandable.
12. Personal Hygiene
No one wants to know your shaving routine. Or how many times you washed your feet. Keep conversation about personal hygiene to yourself (or to the one other person who actually wants to hear about it). It's wonderful that you have good maintenance habits, but no one needs to know the details.
13. Insecurities
It's normal to have insecurities, but it might not be something everyone's okay with talking about in public. Just like body image or other topics on this list, speaking about insecurities can make people feel vulnerable. It's best to share about it in safe spaces, away from prying ears.
14. Race & Ethnicity
Though this seems like an everyday topic, talking about race and ethnicity can be a sensitive one for some. This is especially true for those who don't particularly feel safe enough in certain environments and may be afraid others will stereotype them.
15. Infidelity
Just like with relationship conflicts, you shouldn't discuss infidelity in public—especially if you're the unfaithful one or you're not directly involved at all. Either way, it's a delicate subject that should be resolved behind closed doors, not shared with the rest of the world.
16. Plastic Surgery
Facial procedures are a personal choice, and sometimes, it might not be something people want to talk openly about. Of course, there's a difference between lying that you haven't gotten anything done versus simply not wanting to speak about it in public. Whatever the case, share about it only if everyone's comfortable.
17. Family Problems
Family conflicts can also be a sensitive subject. Not only can it be triggering for others who may have gone through the same experiences, but it can also cause a sense of unease. Keep this conversation under wraps or share it in private with a trusted friend.
18. Graphic Stories
Do you have a particularly vivid story to tell? Unless it's funny and everyone just has to know about it, don't shout it out on the rooftops for those who don't want to hear. Additionally, if it's rather obscene or repulsive... maybe it's better if the story stays with you and you only.
19. Age
Age is just a number. But for some, it can be a touchy topic to talk about. You typically won't need to ask someone their age other than during birthdays or other occasions (or maybe you're just plain curious), but whatever the reason, ask them privately.
20. Job Stability
Finding a job can be frustrating in this day and age, and keeping a stable one is even more of a headache. If someone you know recently lost their job, don't immediately spring the topic on them in public. When they're ready to talk about it, they'll let you in on the situation.
