Believe it, there are certain things you don’t owe anyone.

Human beings are intricate and complex creatures. There are cultural norms, but there are many variations within the norm and we all live differently.

From an early age, most of us are taught to be concerned with what others think of us and to follow certain cultural rules. Some of us even get hung up in a cycle of people-pleasing. One form of people pleasing in particular is explaining things you don’t have to explain. Do you do that?

There are some of us who choose to live our lives even more differently than others, maybe even outside the norm. The choices that we make each and every day will end up shaping our futures. They are important.

With that being said…

Here is our list of the 8 things that you do not owe anyone.

8. You Don’t Owe Anyone an Explanation about Your Priorities

We have all heard our parents talk about the importance of having good priorities. While it is a good idea to focus on taking care of the most important things first, how you handle your obligations is totally up to you. Everyone has different goals and aspirations, and some dreams may seem far-fetched to a closed-minded person. Luckily, you don’t owe anyone an explanation about your priorities.

7. Apologies for being ‘you’

Have you ever felt obligated to give someone an apology just for being who you are? Apologizing for not being the way others want you to be is never necessary. Likewise, no apology is needed when you can’t make it to an event or you have to say no.

6. Wanting or Needing Space

Relationships can sometimes be difficult, and everyone handles pressure differently. Some people would rather talk things out, and some people would rather spend time alone. It’s not your fault that you need time alone to clear your head and no explanation, beyond the fact that you simply need space, is necessary.

In reality, spending time alone is a great way to find inner peace. Unfortunately, we currently live in a world where people feel like they need to converse with each other all the time about everything. So, the next time that you want to sit in a place of peace alone, you don’t have to feel badly over it. Remember, you should never feel obligated to explain the reasons that you need to spend some time alone.

5. Being “Nice”

Being nice is fine if that’s what you want to be, but what is much more important than being nice is being true to yourself and standing firm with who you are, what you believe in, and what is best for yourself. Sure, nice is nice and this isn’t meant for you to go being mean to people; rather, being true is more important than being “nice.”

4. Personal Beliefs

We all know certain people like to voice their opinions. However, you don’t have to agree with anyone’s personal beliefs because of peer pressure, nor do you have to worry about what others think of your personal beliefs. Furthermore, you don’t owe anyone an explanation on why you disagree with them–your personal beliefs, whether it be lifestyle or spirituality in your control.

Sometimes believing in certain things can make you feel strange or unpopular, however it’s better to be who you truly are rather than try to fit in with other people when it’s not the real you.

3. The Way You Look

No matter if you like the latest trends or your old jeans, whether you are overweight or in shape, whether you like your hair long or short, or purple or brown…people will always have something to say. However, the ignorant comments that people choose to share are most likely rooted in their own insecurities. Nonetheless, you don’t need to explain why you look a certain way. And, you also don’t owe anyone an explanation for the way you dress.

You are who you are, and that’s really all there is to it.

2. Explanation about Your Love Life

When it comes to respecting someone’s personal choices, a person’s love life should be at the top of that list. Whether you choose to get married, stay single, or whatever, it is your choice and no one else’s.

1. Saying No

You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to everything that comes along. You are allowed to say ‘no’ and when you do, no explanation is necessary. You could have no good reason at all for saying no and that is just fine. You’re allowed to say no and and not have to explain yourself.

If you find yourself too worried or afraid of not being able to meet other people’s expectations, remember these things that you don’t owe anyone.