In a time where professional achievements are such a big part of our identity, have we also let personal events be reasons to show off?
If there is something I want to do more in 2006, it would be to be more private.
In time of pain, being public is useful. By the 40th time I tell a traumatic experience, it is no longer upsetting but funny.
On the other hand, I have found that keeping the good news to oneself a bit longer has its rewards. First of all, the news may be false. Let’s wait until we close on the property, get the test scores, or get the raise before spreading the news. Other wise, any changes in the expected plans will require some embarrassing explanation. Besides, most people sound like sour grapes when they don’t get what they expect.
Second, the other parties involved may not be ready to spread the good word. Out of respect for the other person, wait for them to break the news. At times, other people’s curiosity makes me forget that privacy is important to me.
Another reason to be private is the joy of basking in good news. The experience of keeping a secret to oneself is valuable because it happens so rarely. Try this experiment. Do something wonderful for yourself and not tell anyone. Doesn’t it stay on your mind that much longer? The minute we share, the news loses some of its special quality.
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I have plenty of happy thoughts in my life these days, but rather than telling everyone in sight, I am going to keep them to myself for a while...
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