It’s a tough reality to face, but there are things in life that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.
Sometimes, we find ourselves explaining our choices, actions, or decisions to others – often unnecessarily.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for. We’ll dive into why your life is your own, and why you have every right to live it without constantly feeling the need to justify yourself.
Let’s get started.
1) Your personal goals
First off, let’s talk about your personal goals.
These are yours and yours alone. They are not meant for public scrutiny or approval. Whether it’s choosing a career path, deciding to start a family or not, or setting out to travel the world solo – these are your dreams, your ambitions.
Often, we feel obligated to justify our goals especially if they defy societal norms or expectations. But remember, what matters most is how these goals align with your own vision for your life.
It’s essential to remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you aspire to achieve. It’s your life, your journey, make sure it’s navigated on your own terms. Go chase those dreams without feeling the need to justify them to anyone.
2) Your feelings
Now, this one hits close to home.
There was a time when I used to be an open book, explaining every emotion I felt. If I was upset, I felt like I had to explain why. If I was happy, I thought it necessary to justify my joy.
But here’s the truth – our feelings are our own. They are personal, complex, and not always rational. And that’s okay.
We are allowed to feel things without having to dissect and explain them. Feelings are natural responses to our experiences and sometimes, they just are.
Whether you’re feeling over the moon or down in the dumps, remember you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your feelings. They are yours, and you have every right to experience them without justification.
3) Your eating habits
In the 19th century, food consumption was a private affair. Eating in public places was often associated with gluttony and a lack of self-control.
Fast forward to today and eating has become a social event. However, along with this shift, comes the scrutiny and judgment of one’s eating habits.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-lover, whether you’re on a diet or savoring every dessert – your eating habits are your business. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to nourish your body.
Food is not just about sustenance but also about personal preference and enjoyment. Eat what makes you happy and healthy, without feeling the need to justify it.
4) Your lifestyle choices
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, a digital nomad or a homebody, these are your lifestyle choices.
It’s often easy to fall into the trap of explaining why we live the way we do, especially when it goes against the grain. But the beauty of individuality lies in our unique ways of living.
Your lifestyle choices reflect your personal values, interests, and priorities. They shape your life and the person you become.
It’s not about fitting into someone else’s mold but about creating your own. So whether you choose to live in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, whether you choose solitude or companionship – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your lifestyle choices.
5) Your past
Our pasts, filled with ups and downs, victories, and setbacks, shape us into the individuals we are today.
However, it’s important to remember that we are not obligated to share our pasts with everyone we meet. From past relationships to old mistakes or even successes, these are our personal histories.
While it’s okay to share your past when you feel comfortable, it’s equally okay to keep it to yourself. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your past. It’s yours to remember, learn from, and sometimes forget.
Your worth is not defined by your past but by who you are in the present.
6) Your self-care routine
Self-care is more than a buzzword. It’s about cherishing and nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Whether it’s a long bubble bath, a quiet evening with a book, or a daily workout routine, your self-care routine is uniquely yours. It’s about what makes you feel good, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle life’s challenges.
In a world that often glorifies being busy, taking time for self-care can sometimes be misunderstood as being lazy or selfish. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not selfish to prioritize your own well-being.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your self-care routine. It’s about loving yourself enough to attend to your own needs first.
7) Your choice to say no
Once, I agreed to attend an event I had absolutely no interest in. It wasn’t my scene, and I had a ton of work waiting for me at home. But I said yes because I didn’t want to disappoint my friend.
We often find ourselves saying yes to things we would rather not do, fearing we might upset or disappoint others. But it’s crucial to understand that saying no is a fundamental right we all possess.
Saying no allows us to set boundaries and protect our time and energy. It’s not an act of selfishness but one of self-preservation.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for saying no. It’s your time, your energy, your life.
8) Your financial status
In a world where wealth is often equated with success, it can be hard to keep financial matters private. But here’s the truth – your financial status does not define your worth.
Whether you’re rolling in riches or living paycheck to paycheck, your financial status is a personal matter. You don’t have to explain why you can’t afford that luxury vacation or why you choose not to splurge despite having the means.
Interestingly, some of the most accomplished people in history have come from humble beginnings.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your financial status. It’s your money, your decisions.
9) Your relationship status
Whether you’re single, married, dating, or somewhere in between – your relationship status is your business.
In a society that often places undue emphasis on finding ‘the one’, it can seem strange to some when you choose to stay single. Similarly, being in a non-traditional relationship can also attract unwarranted attention.
But remember, each person’s journey is unique. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to love and relationships as long as it’s consensual and respectful.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your relationship status. It’s your heart, your life.
10) Your choices
At the heart of it all, every decision you make is yours to own. Whether it’s about your career, your education, your lifestyle, or anything else – these are your choices.
Each choice you make impacts your life directly. You’re the one who has to live with the consequences, good or bad. So you should be the one making these decisions without having to explain or justify them to anyone.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices. They are an assertion of your autonomy and a testament to your individuality. Stand by them confidently, without seeking validation from others.
Final thoughts: The power of self-validation
When it comes to our own lives, the person whose opinion matters most is our own.
American philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”.
This reflects the essence of what we’ve been discussing. The power to live life on our own terms lies within us. It’s about letting go of the need for external validation and embracing self-validation.
Whether it’s your personal goals, lifestyle choices, or feelings – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for any of these. They are yours to own and experience.
So as you navigate through life, remember that your choices are valid, your feelings are valid, and you are valid – no explanation needed. Let this understanding empower you to live a life that’s authentically and unapologetically yours.