We often find ourselves in situations where we feel obliged to explain our decisions, actions, or lifestyle choices to others. But here’s the thing: you don’t always owe people an explanation.
Psychology gives us some interesting insights into this. It turns out, there are certain things in life that require no justification to anyone but ourselves.
Let’s dive into these 8 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.
1. Your personal boundaries
A fundamental lesson from psychology is the importance of setting personal boundaries.
Boundaries are essential for our mental and emotional health. They define where we end, and where others begin. They protect our self-esteem and help maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves and others.
Yet, we often feel the need to explain or justify our boundaries. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what makes you comfortable or uncomfortable.
These are your boundaries, and they are valid, irrespective of anyone else’s opinion or understanding.
2. Your life priorities
Let’s get a bit personal here.
I remember a time when I used to feel compelled to explain my choices, especially when they didn’t align with the expectations of those around me.
A clear instance was when I decided to devote more time to mindfulness and establish Hack Spirit. Many questioned my decision, wondering why I didn’t follow a more conventional career path.
But here’s what psychology tells us: your life priorities are your own. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you choose to prioritize in your life.
As long as your decisions align with your values and contribute to your personal growth, they are valid and need no justification. Like famed psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
3. Your relationship status
In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about your personal life, questions like “Are you seeing anyone?” or “Why are you still single?” can feel intrusive and frustrating.
It’s as if society expects you to constantly justify your relationship status—but you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
That’s one of the core messages in Jeanette Brown’s groundbreaking new book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World.
As a life coach and self-development expert, Jeanette offers invaluable insights into how to live with confidence and peace of mind, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
In this book, she helps you break free from societal pressures and focus on what really matters: your happiness.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or still figuring things out, Jeanette’s powerful toolkit will show you how to embrace your life unapologetically.
Her practical advice will empower you to live authentically and take charge of your own narrative—because your relationship status is yours, and it doesn’t need validation from others.
4. Your decision to say no
Psychology emphasizes the power of saying “no”. It’s an essential skill for preserving energy, maintaining personal boundaries, and prioritizing our needs.
However, saying “no” often comes with a sense of guilt. We feel the need to offer detailed explanations or excuses to justify our refusal. But here’s the truth: You don’t owe anyone an explanation for saying “no”.
Saying “no” doesn’t make you rude or selfish. It simply means you’re taking care of your mental health and well-being. This is also tied to the concept of assertiveness, which is a key element in effective communication.
5. Your eating habits
This one may seem a bit counterintuitive, but stick with me.
We live in a society where our eating habits are often under scrutiny. Whether it’s the choice to go vegetarian, gluten-free, or to indulge in that extra slice of cake, it often feels like we need to justify our eating preferences.
But here’s the surprising bit: according to psychology, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your eating habits.
The food we eat is a personal choice. It can be tied to our culture, health needs, ethical beliefs or simply our taste preference. As long as your eating habits are not causing harm to your health or others, they don’t require justification.
In the words of influential psychologist Albert Ellis: “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.”
6. Your career choices
Career choices are deeply personal and can significantly impact our happiness and quality of life. Yet, we often find ourselves justifying our professional decisions to others.
Whether you choose to follow a traditional career path, switch industries, or explore unconventional roles, remember this: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your career choices.
Your professional journey is about finding what fulfills you and contributes to your growth. It’s about carving your own path and embracing the opportunities that align with your values and aspirations.
As Carl Jung, the influential psychologist, once said: “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” So, don’t shy away from making career choices that allow you to be true to yourself.
7. Your lifestyle choices
In a world where it’s so easy to compare our lives with others’, it’s not uncommon to feel judged or scrutinized for our lifestyle choices.
Whether it’s choosing to live in a small town over a bustling city, practicing minimalism, or deciding not to have children, these are individual choices that don’t owe an explanation to anyone.
These choices reflect our personal values, needs, and aspirations. They’re about carving our own path and embracing what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. We need to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay.
8. Your emotional responses
Emotions are a fundamental aspect of our human experience. They guide our actions, influence our decisions, and shape our interactions with others.
However, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel the need to explain or justify our emotional responses. Whether it’s anger, sadness, joy, or fear, remember this: You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your emotions.
Your feelings are valid and they matter. They’re a reflection of your personal experience and understanding of a situation. It’s important to embrace them without feeling guilty or apologetic.
Remember: It’s about authenticity
Staying true to ourselves is not just a preference—it’s a necessity for living a life of fulfillment and meaning.
Each of the 8 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our authenticity. They teach us to set boundaries, prioritize our needs, and make decisions that align with our values, rather than the expectations of others.
Jeanette Brown, life coach and self-development expert, explores this deeply in her latest book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World.
In her book, she guides you through the process of reclaiming your authentic self and living in a way that resonates with who you truly are. Jeanette’s expert advice empowers you to embrace your individuality unapologetically, and to make choices that foster genuine happiness and growth.
Our personal experiences, emotions, and aspirations define us. They guide our path toward self-discovery, contentment, and, ultimately, a life lived on our own terms. As you move forward, remember this: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for being yourself.
As Carl Rogers famously said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” Let Jeanette’s toolkit help you embrace your journey with confidence, authenticity, and without apology.
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