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

It’s a universal truth – we all feel the occasional pang of guilt or obligation to justify our choices. However, psychology tells us this isn’t always necessary.

Here’s the thing. You’re an adult, making decisions that you believe to be in your best interest. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for these choices.

Psychology backs this up. There are certain aspects of your life for which you should not feel compelled to offer justifications.

In this article, we’ll dig into ten things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for. Let’s free ourselves from unnecessary guilt, shall we?

Let’s get started.

1) Your personal boundaries

Personal boundaries are a vital part of who we are. They define our individuality and protect our mental and emotional health.

Psychology emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining these boundaries for our wellbeing. It’s about knowing where we end and others begin, and respecting these limits.

But here’s the kicker. We often feel the need to explain our boundaries, to justify them to others. We want people to understand why we’ve set certain limits.

The truth is, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your personal boundaries. They are yours, and yours alone.

Respecting your own boundaries is not selfish or unreasonable. It’s a crucial element to self-care and maintaining healthy relationships.

2) Your career choices

We’ve all been there. You make a career decision that feels right for you, but it’s met with raised eyebrows and a barrage of “why?” questions.

I remember when I decided to switch careers. I was in a stable, well-paying job but I wasn’t fulfilled. So, I took the leap and switched into a completely different field.

And boy, did the questions start pouring in. Why would I leave a secure job? Why would I venture into an unknown field? What if it didn’t work out?

But here’s the thing. It was my choice. My career path, my decision, and my journey to embark on.

According to psychology, your career choices are personal and don’t require justification to others. Each of us has unique ambitions, passions, and goals that drive our career paths.

Whether it’s deciding to quit your job, changing industries, or choosing not to work at all – it’s your call. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.

3) Your dietary preferences

Your dietary preferences are exactly that – yours. Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegetarian, vegan, or somewhere in between, what you choose to put into your body is a personal decision.

In a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, researchers found that people who follow restrictive diets often face judgment or criticism from others. This can lead to unnecessary stress and tension.

But here’s the reality. Whether it’s for health reasons, ethical considerations, or just preference, your diet is your business.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you choose to eat or not eat. Remember, your body, your rules.

4) Your relationship status

Single, dating, married, divorced, it’s complicated – no matter what your relationship status is, it’s your business and yours alone.

Our society places a lot of emphasis on relationships. It’s as if being in a relationship is a prerequisite for happiness. This can create unnecessary pressure to justify why we are or aren’t in one.

Here’s the thing. Your relationship status is a personal aspect of your life that you don’t have to explain to anyone.

Being single doesn’t mean you’re lonely, and being in a relationship doesn’t guarantee happiness. Whatever your status is, it’s valid and it’s enough.

Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your relationship status. It’s your life, live it on your own terms.

5) Your lifestyle choices

Whether you love to travel the world or prefer to stay at home, whether you have a minimalist lifestyle or love to splurge, your lifestyle choices are yours to make.

We all have different tastes, interests, and ways of living that make us unique. Your lifestyle choices reflect who you are and what you value in life.

However, these choices are often subject to scrutiny and judgement. People may question your decisions or try to impose their preferences on you.

But here’s the reality – your lifestyle choices are personal. They reflect your individuality and personal taste.

Whether you prefer an extravagant lifestyle or a simple one, remember that it’s your life. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your lifestyle choices. You have the freedom to live your life the way you want to.

6) Your decision to have or not have children

Having children is a life-changing decision. It’s a commitment of time, resources, and emotion unlike any other.

Yet, the choice to have or not have children is often seen as something that needs to be justified. Society tends to place an expectation on individuals, particularly women, to become mothers.

But the choice to become a parent is deeply personal. It’s a decision that should be made out of desire, not obligation.

If you choose to have children, that’s beautiful. If you choose not to, that’s equally as valid. Your worth is not determined by your parental status.

This is your life journey. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision to have or not have children. Live your truth and respect others’ choices too.

7) Your past

Everyone has a past. It’s a collection of experiences, choices, and lessons that shape who we are today.

I’ve had my share of experiences that I’d rather keep to myself. Some parts of my past are filled with joy and achievement, while others are tinged with regret and pain.

But here’s the thing – our past doesn’t define us. We learn from it and move forward.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your past. It’s yours alone and you have the right to keep it private if you choose to.

We’re all works in progress, continually learning and growing from our experiences. Your past is just one chapter in your life story; it’s not the whole book.

8) Your self-care practices

In this busy, fast-paced world, taking time out for self-care can sometimes be seen as indulgent or unnecessary.

You may find yourself justifying why you need an evening to yourself, or why you’re turning down a social event for some quiet time at home.

But here’s a surprising truth – self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent, it’s essential.

Psychology tells us that taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally is vital for our overall well-being.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

9) Your beliefs and values

Your beliefs and values are the bedrock of who you are. They guide your decisions, influence your behavior, and shape your worldview.

In a diverse society, we’re bound to encounter people with different beliefs and values. While it’s beneficial to have open discussions about these differences, it’s not necessary to justify our own beliefs.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your beliefs and values. They are personal, deeply held, and unique to you.

Stand firm in your convictions, respect others’ right to their beliefs, and remember that diversity in thought is what makes our world interesting and dynamic.

10) Your choices to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’

The ability to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. It’s a declaration of your personal boundaries and a reflection of your self-respect.

However, we often find ourselves justifying why we said ‘no’ to an invitation or ‘yes’ to taking on more work.

The truth is, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. You have the right to decide what is best for you without having to justify it.

Your time, energy, and comfort matter. Remember, every ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is a choice that shapes your life. Make those choices count.