#1
#3
Even the most honest person has kept a secret at least once in their life. Science, in fact, says that the average person actively has about 13 secrets, 5 of which they’ve never told a single person. Some of you might be thinking, ‘that’s not me, I’ve always been upfront about everything I do.’
If that’s true, it’s great, but not everyone is so painfully honest. Even the closest family members and the best of friends have things they’ve kept hidden. We at Bored Panda wanted to understand why secret-keeping is so rampant, so we reached out to Josh Dolin.
He is a life coach on a mission to help people uncover clarity, purpose, and confidence. With a down-to-earth approach rooted in practical tools and self-discovery, he empowers clients to tap into their true potential and take bold, meaningful steps toward the life they want.
Josh told us that “secrets often sprout from fear: fear of hurting someone, being judged, or disrupting the peace. Families are messy, and sometimes hiding the truth feels like protecting someone.”
#4
Both my parents have an o+ blood type, a few years ago I found out I was A+. After years of them saying I am an O+.
I found out while I was pregnant with my first child and I was so shocked and i learned that two o+ can't produce an A+. When I confronted them they were so shocked and changed the subject.
Long story short, I had a DNA test and it came out positive (that I am not their daughter). I remember a story my aunt told me when I was a kid about two grown ups that stole a baby from the hospital because a year before their baby had died during birth.
I will never know the story as I no longer have a connection to them and they will deny it.
Born in the middle east early 90's, if you know someone that has had their newborn baby stolen, connect with me, they might be my parents.
#5
#6
People keep all kinds of things hidden, and researchers found that there are nearly 36 common types of secrets. These can range from political or religious views to one’s finances, behaviors, beliefs, and actions.
We asked Josh Dolin what kind of things he thinks people hide the most. He said that the usual suspects are “money problems, addictions, feelings they think they shouldn’t have, mistakes they hope will stay buried. Sometimes, it’s not what they hide—it’s what they don’t say.”
#7
#8
#9
She refuses to get a passport now to go shop with me or vacation with me. Nothing will sway her. When asked, she says she just doesn’t want to ever go to the states.
At this point I think she must have a warrant or something… she’s definitely lying about something. She won’t even go to her dream vacation spot because she would have to go through the US.
Keeping secrets can really weigh heavily on the mind. That’s why Josh explains that it’s important to be honest, and the best way to do it is to “start small. Say the thing you’re afraid of but know is true. Build trust with little truths, so the big ones don’t feel so daunting.”
In his article on the benefits of honesty, he explained that it can help strengthen bonds with your loved ones and help build deeper connections. Although it might seem easier to lean into keeping secrets, opening up about the things on your mind can help create a strong relationship built on trust.
#10
Even as I grow in competence and maturity, they struggle to see me as anything other than strange. I don’t hate them for it.
#11
#12
He slept with a few women at university, always with women he knew and was friendly with. But there was this clinical, methodical vibe to it. Obviously I wasn’t in the room for the act but I often witnessed the ‘build up’ in the bar or club. It was like he was doing it out of some form of obligation. I could tell he wasn’t into it, don’t ask me quite how, I just could.
I don’t have any other proof other than vibes and one maybe 2 second moment about 5 years ago. We were out of university at this point but had met up with a few guys in our old university town. We went to a popular faux-German chain of bars. There was a look between my friend and the guy behind the bar that I’d never ever seen before. Maybe I’m not remembering it right. But it was that awkward look you might give someone if you’ve slept with them and never expected to see them again. It only dawned on me later in the night.
Who knows and quite frankly, who cares. I just want him to be able himself I guess.
The folks sharing their stories in this list all suspect their friends or family members of keeping something big from them. The suspicion alone might be weighing heavily on their mind and could even be affecting their connection with the other person.
That’s why we asked Josh if it's advisable for people to confront someone if they suspect a big secret is being kept from them. He said that it’s important to “tread lightly. Ask yourself: will knowing the truth bring clarity or chaos? Sometimes, the best way to help someone open up is by showing they’re safe with you.”
A good way to do that is by being a good listener, not judging the other person, and maintaining transparency. This will make the person feel safe, and they eventually might open up on their own without any need for confrontation.
#13
They're all dead now except one aunt that will take it to her grave. At least I know my daddy's my dad. He loved me. She certainly didn't.
#14
#15
There isn’t anything wrong with keeping a secret or two, but if you have to keep lying to cover it up, chances are it can end up causing you a lot of distress. Maybe opening up about the things you’ve kept hidden can actually help make you feel a bit lighter. Who knows? Start small, but definitely try it out!
#16
#17
So I’m guessing he makes more working 80 hours a week or so than he would working part time and collecting SS. And their bills are not high. So I suspect debt.
#18
#19
I feel like they aren’t together anymore because they sleep in complete different bedrooms (my mom in the basement and my dad in the master bedroom) while their reason was because my dad snores too much.
They go on separate vacation like my dad going to a wedding without my mom and my mom going to London alone
When we all take the same car including my sister, my mom would rather sit in the back while my dad drives.
Could be that is overthinking it but it feels like they are together out of obligation of their kids which is me and my sister left living with them.
#20
