16 Common Things We All Experience But Are Ashamed to Talk About

We all hide things from the outside world and even from ourselves. We don’t want to admit to doing certain things or feeling certain ways even when those emotions and actions are part of who we are. Just take a look at these 16 common things that many of us never talk about but almost all of us experience. If we learn to open up rather than hide our truth, we may all understand each other a little bit better. See if you can relate to these things and, if you can, consider talking more about them rather than ignoring them.

Sometimes, I Feel Inadequate

I sometimes feel like I’m not good enough. Despite accomplishments and life experiences, inadequacy can still creep in. This shame stems from comparing myself to others and setting unrealistic standards regarding work duties, parental responsibilities, and other aspects of life. However, recognizing my unique strengths and practicing self-compassion helps me combat these feelings.

I Don’t Always Prioritize Myself

Are you also a people-pleaser? For instance, I often prioritize others’ needs before my own, neglecting self-care. It’s easy to prioritize loved ones over ourselves, but doing so usually results in resentment toward others and ourselves. I have to remind myself that embracing the importance of self-care and setting boundaries ensures that I have the energy and well-being to support others.

I Can Struggle With Body Image At Times

There are times when I’m ashamed of my body and how it has changed over the years. Body image issues can persist even as we grow older. Accepting my body and appreciating its strength and resilience is an ongoing journey. Embracing self-love and focusing on health rather than appearance helps alleviate negative thoughts, but embracing this mentality is not always easy.

I Fear Change

I am afraid of change and often resist it. It can sometimes feel incredibly daunting and scary, and the unknown can feel paralyzing. However, acknowledging this fear and gradually stepping out of my comfort zone helps me adapt and grow. Embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat feels empowering after a while, even though, at the beginning, it may be super scary.

I Can Be Hesitant To Ask For Help

Even when I need it the most, I resist asking others for help, even when I know I have an amazing support system around me. The belief that I should handle everything on my own is deeply ingrained. However, recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, has been transformative. It allows me to build stronger connections and receive the support I need.

I’m Not The Best At Letting Go Of Grudges

Sometimes, I find it difficult to let go of past grievances and, in turn, hold grudges. Holding onto grudges weighs heavily on my heart and mind. Learning to forgive is crucial to my emotional freedom, not for others but for my peace. Letting go of past hurts allows me to live more fully in the present, so I’m working on it for my personal growth and well-being.

I’m Not Always Financially Stable

I worry about and feel ashamed of my financial stability sometimes, and this issue can weigh very heavily. Addressing these worries openly and seeking financial advice or planning can alleviate this burden for me, so I plan on taking better steps and action to focus on what I can control and make informed decisions, which will help build more confidence.

Sometimes, I Feel Jealous

Jealousy is normal, but it’s not always easy to admit. When I feel jealous, I know it’s a sign that there’s something I need or want that I’m not getting, and I try to use it as motivation. Instead of getting down about it, I celebrate other people’s successes while still working on my goals. It’s a way healthier way to look at things, as it can be the push you need to grow.

Regret Can Creep Up On Me

Walking around holding on to regrets about the past can be extremely heavy and taxing. Understanding that every decision was made with the knowledge and resources available at the time usually helps me forgive myself when I start regretting the past. Using these experiences as lessons for growth rather than sources of shame is vital to shift out of feelings of regret into feelings of acceptance.

Social Anxiety Gets To Me

I experience social anxiety and often feel out of place in social settings. Social situations can be daunting, leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Practicing mindfulness, preparing for social interactions, and gradually exposing myself to social settings helps manage this anxiety. Accepting my social comfort zone is also crucial, but no matter what, I try my best to work through it healthily.

I Have A Tendency To Procrastinate

Sometimes, I put things off and feel bad about not getting things done. I know it’s because I often worry about failing or not doing things perfectly. I’ve been trying to break tasks into smaller steps and set achievable goals to help me deal with this. And when I don’t quite make it, I remind myself to be kind to myself, which allows me to move forward and improve.

Sometimes, I Feel Lonely

Loneliness can be difficult to acknowledge, but it’s a shared experience even when we think it’s not. When I’m feeling isolated and alone, I try to reach out to friends, join community groups, or engage in new activities to help combat the feelings of isolation. Building meaningful connections is crucial for my emotional well-being and beating the feelings of loneliness.

I’m Biased

No matter how open-minded you try to be, we are all biased to a certain extent. Human nature tends to see those similar to us in a more positive light, which is why we often feel inadequate when traveling. This bias can lead us to judge the same situation differently depending on whether it happened to someone we love or hate, making our judgment unfair.

I’m Afraid Of Aging

Despite all the recent discussions about body acceptance, I’m still sometimes afraid of the changes my body will experience with aging. This is not only in terms of aesthetics but also about my mental health. A good way to deal with these feelings is to remind ourselves that the more we age, the more mature and wiser we become, which in turn should help us live better lives.

I Had A Divorce

Even though this is becoming less of a taboo nowadays, many women still feel ashamed to admit that their last marriage ended in a divorce. If you don’t feel like sharing this news, it’s okay. Yet, remember that you have no reason to be ashamed and should be proud for having had the strength to end a relationship that was no longer working. You may be an inspiration for so many women.

I Take The Easy Way Out

Sometimes, the correct path seems really challenging. So many of us try to find shortcuts and easier ways to do things rather than the difficult, correct way. We don’t always freely admit to taking the easy way out, but it is a strategy that so many of us use. While you should always try your hardest and do what is right, there is no shame in trying to find an easier way to do things. As long as the job gets done, it can often be a good thing to work smarter rather than harder.