Sometimes, you probably feel pressured to explain yourself, even when you shouldn’t have to. It’s like you owe someone a justification for your choices, your feelings, or even your existence, but you don’t. Here are some things you never have to justify to anyone, at any time, under any circumstances.
1. Your life choices
Whether it’s your career path, your relationship status, or your decision to have kids (or not), these are your choices, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for them. People might have opinions, but it’s your life to live, not theirs. Don’t let anyone pressure you into justifying your choices or living up to their expectations. Remember, you’re the author of your own story, and you have the right to write it however you want.
2. Your feelings and emotions
Your feelings are valid, regardless of what they are (or how uncomfortable they make anyone else). You don’t have to apologise for feeling sad, angry, happy, or anything else. You don’t have to explain why you feel a certain way, and you don’t have to justify your emotions to anyone. It’s okay to feel whatever you feel, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.
3. Your need for alone time
Sometimes, you just need to be alone to recharge and decompress. It’s not a sign of weakness or a rejection of other people. It’s a basic human need, and you don’t have to feel guilty for wanting some solitude. Whether you need to read a book, have a bath, or just sit alone in your garden, give yourself permission to recharge without feeling like you need to explain it to anyone.
4. Your appearance
How you look is your business, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or rocking sweatpants and a messy bun, your appearance is a reflection of your personal style and comfort level. Don’t let anyone make you feel self-conscious or ashamed of how you look. Own your style, embrace your body, and rock it with confidence.
5. Your boundaries
Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-preservation. You are entitled to say no, to set limits, and to protect your time and energy. You don’t have to explain why you’re not comfortable with something or why you need to set a certain boundary. Your boundaries are valid, and you don’t need to apologise for enforcing them.
6. Your past mistakes
We all have a past, and we’ve all made mistakes. Don’t let anyone hold your past against you or make you feel ashamed of your history. You’re not defined by your past, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it. Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself, and move on. Focus on the present and the future, not on what’s behind you.
7. Your spending habits
How you spend your money is your business. You don’t have to justify your purchases or explain why you chose to spend money on one thing over another. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day or splurging on a luxury item, it’s your money to spend as you see fit. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty of how you decide to manage your finances.
8. Your political or religious beliefs
Your beliefs are personal and sacred. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your faith or your political views. You have the right to believe whatever you want, and you don’t have to defend your beliefs to anyone. If someone doesn’t respect your beliefs, that’s their problem, not yours. Don’t let anyone pressure you into conforming to their worldview or invalidate your own beliefs.
9. Your dreams and aspirations
Whether you dream of travelling the world, starting a business, or simply living a quiet life in the countryside, these aspirations are yours; you don’t owe anyone an explanation for them. People might have different ideas about what constitutes a “successful” or “fulfilling” life, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what makes you happy. Don’t let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams, even if they don’t understand them.
10. Your sexuality and gender identity
These are fundamental parts of who you are, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for them. You don’t have to justify your sexual orientation or gender identity to anyone, and you don’t have to conform to societal norms or expectations. Embrace your identity, express yourself authentically, and surround yourself with people who love and accept you for who you are.
11. Your relationship status
Whether you’re single, dating, married, or in a polyamorous relationship, your relationship status is your own business. You don’t have to explain why you’re single, justify your decision to be in a relationship, or defend your choice of partner. It’s your life, and you get to decide who you share it with. Don’t let anyone pressure you into conforming to their expectations or make you feel like you have to explain your choices.
12. Your decision to have children (or not)
Having children is a deeply personal decision, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it. You don’t have to justify your choice to have kids, or defend your decision not to. It’s your body, your life, and your choice. Don’t let anyone pressure you into having children if you don’t want to, or make you feel guilty for not wanting them. Your decision to have or not have children is valid, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
13. Your mental health struggles
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and you shouldn’t have to apologise for struggling with it. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your struggles. You don’t have to justify your need for therapy, medication, or support. Your mental health is important, and you have the right to seek help and take care of yourself without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
14. Your decision to prioritise self-care
Source: Unsplash Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, saying no to extra commitments, or simply spending time doing things you enjoy, prioritising your well-being is crucial. You don’t have to justify your need for self-care or feel guilty for putting your needs first sometimes. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself so you can show up as your best self for other people.
15. Your hobbies and interests
Your hobbies and interests are what make you unique and interesting. You don’t have to explain why you enjoy certain activities or why you’re passionate about certain things. Whether you love knitting, playing video games, or collecting stamps, your hobbies are yours to enjoy. Don’t let anyone make you feel silly or ashamed of your interests. Embrace what makes you happy and share it with the world if you want to.
16. Your past trauma
Trauma is a deeply personal experience, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it. You don’t have to share details of your trauma with anyone, and you don’t have to justify your reactions or coping mechanisms. If someone is pressuring you to share more than you’re comfortable with, it’s okay to set boundaries and protect yourself. Remember, healing from trauma is a journey, and it’s up to you to decide how and when you share your story.
