Yes, it is OK to not tell your parents everything.
While maintaining open communication with your parents is generally a good idea, it's also healthy and normal to have boundaries regarding what you share. The decision to withhold information is a personal one, dependent on your relationship with your parents, your comfort level, and the specific situation. According to available information, "do not feel that you have to share every detail of your experience."
Here's a breakdown of when it might be okay to withhold information:
- Personal Boundaries: You have the right to privacy and to keep certain aspects of your life private.
- Protecting Yourself: If you believe sharing something would lead to unnecessary conflict, judgment, or emotional distress, it's acceptable to keep it to yourself.
- Parental Overreaction: If you know your parents tend to overreact or become overly anxious, withholding certain details to avoid causing them undue stress can be a valid consideration. For example, sometimes "parents will get upset and afraid and want to know all of the details of what you are experiencing."
- Building Independence: As you grow, it's natural to develop greater independence, which includes making your own decisions about what to share with others.
Ultimately, the key is to balance transparency with your parents with your own need for privacy and autonomy.
