7 conversations you should never have and what to keep to yourself

Dubai-based Jemimah Tyler was meeting a friend’s fiancé for the first time. After polite greetings and a handshake, Tyler casually asked, “How are you?”

What followed was an unexpected monologue. He launched into details about his move from the US to Dubai, his new business ventures, the exact balance in his bank account, and his financial goals for the year. "By the end of the conversation, I don’t think there was anything about his life I didn’t know—most of which I really didn’t need to," says Tyler. "Including his high school rivalries."

The truth is as specialists explain, oversharing might seem harmless, but it can quickly turn your social life into a soap opera. From spilling your financial details to broadcasting every relationship hiccup, it invites unnecessary opinions, jealousy, and awkwardness. Suddenly, you’re drowning in advice you didn’t ask for or making people feel uncomfortable.

Some things are better left unsaid. If you want to avoid unnecessary drama, awkward silences, or accidental enemies, here are seven things you should probably keep to yourself.

Your next big move, until it’s done

We get it—you’re excited. You’re starting a business, making a career switch, or planning a major life change. However, as Claire Holloway, a Dubai-based therapist explains, “Announcing it too soon can invite unwanted opinions, envy, or even subconscious self-sabotage. Nothing’s worse than having to explain why our new venture, career shift, or a bold move, didn’t work out,” she says, recalling from her own experiences. “I had many grand plans about starting different business ventures and kept talking to people about it. People mean well, so they kept giving me opinions and advice---and that was pouring in from all corners. So, I got confused and stumbled, trying to accommodate everyone’s opinions, or getting discouraged by those who didn’t support me.”

As she says, keep your plans to yourself until it’s a done deal. Then let success do the talking.

 Your income, especially around friends and family

Oversharing your financial status can make relationships uncomfortable, as it can come across as just a humble brag, explains Holloway. While you may simply be discussing your salary, recent investments, or a big purchase, it can inadvertently make others feel inadequate, envious, or even judged. People might start comparing their financial situation to yours, leading to resentment or awkwardness in social settings.

Theresa Martinez, a holistic physician and life coach explains that on the flip side, sharing financial struggles too openly can also backfire. “Constantly talking about debt, job instability, or money problems can make others feel pressured to offer help or advice, even if they’re not able to do so. In some cases, it may even change the way people interact with you, leading to unsolicited opinions, assumptions about your spending habits, or unwanted pity.”

You don’t need to disclose your salary details or monthly expenditures to anyone unless they play a direct role in your financial well-being—such as your accountant, financial advisor, or spouse.

Every single detail of your love life

Sharing relationship highlights or struggles with close friends is normal. But broadcasting every fight, complaint, or personal moments? That’s a recipe for disaster. Oversharing can invite advice, judgments, or even people quietly rooting for your relationship to fail, explains Martinez.

If you wouldn’t want it repeated at a dinner party, keep it to yourself.

Your long-term goals to just anyone

There’s a reason many successful people say, ‘move in silence.’ Sharing your goals too soon can drain your motivation, expose you to unnecessary criticism, or make you feel like you’ve already achieved something, before you’ve put in the work, explains Martinez.

Write them down, work on them, and let results speak louder than words.

Your good deeds

Helping someone out? Great. Telling everyone about it? Not so much. There’s a fine line between inspiring others and humblebragging. True kindness doesn’t need a standing ovation.

Do good, but don’t turn it into a PR campaign, as Martinez and Holloway say. Nothing irritates people more, than hearing about the good that someone has done. For instance, Cherry Hudson, a Dubai-based fashion entrepreneur recalls how someone once saved her life on the road. While she was immensely grateful, she gradually grew annoyed because they couldn’t stop relating it to people every time they met. “He would actually introduce me as ‘Yes, I know Cherry! I saved her life once!’”

Just, no.

Your opinions on someone’s life unless you are asked

Oh, you’re still single?

Are you sure that’s the best career for you?

I would have done it differently.

Unless someone explicitly asks for your advice, keep those thoughts to yourself. Unnecessary opinions can come off as judgmental—even if you mean well.

When in doubt, just smile and nod. People’s choices are their business, not yours.

Your grudges

Holding onto a past slight? Someone hurt you years ago, and you still bring it up every chance you get? Constantly rehashing grudges only makes you look bitter, and honestly, it gets exhausting for everyone around you, explains Martinez.

Let it go. Not for them, but for your own peace of mind.

At the end of the day, a little mystery makes you more likable. Keep certain things to yourself, and let your actions (not your words) do the talking.