The Mirror - Privacy vs Secrets
As most of my readers know by now, I enjoy talking about boundaries and when they are necessary to protect our peace. I must also do my diligence to speak about when boundaries become an excuse to hide things or hurt someone. Boundaries are healthy, but should not come at the expense of inflicting harm to others. I would like to discuss secrets and privacy in this particular blog.
There is a difference between privacy and secrets. We live our lives in parallel with many other humans, and some of those relationships are more intimate than others. We find ourselves in a space between vulnerability and boundaries, constantly attempting to protect our own peace. While vulnerability is essential to human connection, we must acknowledge that specific nuances should be considered and interpreted through our own lens. Privacy is one of the most important aspects we must protect to maintain our peace.
According to Oxford Online Dictionary, Privacy is "the state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people." Privacy is essential to maintain and to own. We should honor our own privacy and the privacy of others. Privacy is an entirely natural and often much-needed condition that is essential for our well-being as humans. We have the right to privacy. To have privacy of our own things, thoughts, habits, activities, and feelings. We should feel comfortable honoring our own privacy without the need to include or justify our privacy to others, even our loved ones. Let's talk about secrets.
According to the Oxford Online Dictionary, Secrets are defined as "something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others". The definition is very similar to privacy, but the key difference lies in the intention behind keeping a secret. Many of us keep things from others because we are ashamed of them. If our purpose is to hide something, then it does cross the line from privacy to a secret. Understanding the difference is key.
One of the key differentiations between secrets and privacy is the intentions behind them. If our purpose is to keep information or something from someone because we are ashamed of it, then that becomes a secret. If we choose to keep information or something from someone because we want boundaries, that is considered privacy. If there is shame associated with your privacy, then it is likely a good indication that the information is a secret. As you continue to explore your intention behind what you do, this will become clearer. Clarity regarding the importance of distinguishing between fact and fiction, or privacy and secrets, is an essential step in understanding how one can grow the intention behind their interest in keeping privacy. Ultimately, this distinction differentiates what is needed from the perspective.
In closing, it’s important to remember that both privacy and boundaries are tools for protecting our peace, while secrets often carry the weight of shame or fear. When we learn to recognize the difference, we not only honor ourselves but also strengthen our relationships through authenticity and trust. By being intentional with what we keep private and mindful of when secrecy slips in, we cultivate healthier connections—with others and within ourselves. At the heart of it all, the goal is not to build walls, but to create safe spaces where peace, trust, and vulnerability can coexist.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read here.
