Social Wisdom: Three Things You'd Better Avoid Mentioning in Conversations

Cai Kangyong once said a thought - provoking sentence: "In a conversation, everyone is like an emperor, only wanting to talk about themselves." In social situations, we often aspire to be the center of the topic, yet overlook the importance of being silent at the right time. Talking too much can seem like showing off, and speaking inappropriately may inadvertently offend others. As the old saying goes, "A room with many doors catches the wind; a person who talks too much invites trouble." Today, let's explore three types of topics that are best avoided in social interactions, helping you navigate interpersonal relationships more skillfully.


I. Family Private Affairs: Matters to Be Solved Behind Closed Doors
Many people, when feeling down, can't help but confide their family troubles to colleagues or friends. However, family private affairs are like spilled water; once spoken out, they're hard to take back. You might think you're just venting, but in fact, you may be unknowingly planting hidden dangers for yourself.

A Real - life Case as a Warning: A professional who was originally on the promotion list often confided her family conflicts to colleagues. The leader, worried that these personal matters would affect her work performance, ultimately replaced her before the official announcement. This lesson shows that spreading family private affairs can become a stumbling block to career development.

Hu Shi's mother set a good example for us. Despite being widowed at a young age and facing a difficult family situation, she never complained to outsiders. Her tolerance and wisdom won the respect of her family and safeguarded the dignity of the family. Family conflicts are best resolved within the family. Publicizing them not only doesn't help solve the problems but may also turn private matters into topics for others' idle chatter.


II. Children's Shortcomings: The Harm of Public Criticism Is Far Beyond Imagination
The ancients said, "Teach your children in private; praise them in public." This is the wisdom of running a household. However, in reality, we often hear parents scold their children in public: "This child is always getting into trouble," "The grades are always at the bottom," etc. These words are like nails, leaving indelible marks in the children's hearts.
The psychological phenomenon of "self - fulfilling prophecy" tells us that people will unconsciously act according to others' expectations of them. If you always emphasize your children's shortcomings, they may confirm these negative evaluations in self - doubt. On the contrary, by giving more recognition and encouragement, children can grow up in a positive environment.

Inspiration from "Forrest Gump": Forrest Gump was born with a defect, having an IQ of only 75, and the principal suggested he go to a special school. But Forrest Gump's mother always believed, "You're no different from others." This sentence became Forrest Gump's lifelong belief, and eventually, he achieved amazing feats. This story tells us that every child has their own talents, and the key lies in how we guide and encourage them.


III. Personal Wealth: What Showing Off Brings Is Usually Trouble, Not Admiration
In the era of social media, many people are keen to showcase their material achievements. But there's an essential difference between sharing and showing off: sharing is "I have it and hope you have it too"; showing off is "I have it, but you don't, and you shouldn't either."

A netizen shared her experience: When she was young, she liked to show off brand - name products and luxury trips on Moments. Her mother always advised her to delete those posts. Later, she realized that over - showing off could easily arouse others' jealousy and invite unnecessary trouble. Now, she has learned to restrain her desire to show off, and her life has become more relaxed.

Practical Advice: If you find that the main motivation for a certain consumption is to let others see it, then this consumption is likely unnecessary. True wealth doesn't need to be proven through showing off. Keeping a low - profile can avoid many unnecessary disturbances.


The Core of Social Wisdom: Master the Measure of Words
As the old saying goes, "Don't act on impulse, and don't speak thoughtlessly." According to the self - disclosure theory, appropriate self - disclosure helps increase understanding and trust, but excessive disclosure brings risks. In interpersonal relationships, we need to:
Avoid talking about family private affairs to safeguard family dignity.

Don't criticize children's shortcomings in public to protect their self - esteem.
Restrain the desire to show off and maintain a low - key and practical attitude.

The sense of proportion in words reflects a person's life wisdom. Knowing when to remain silent is not only a social skill but also a sign of respect for life. Remember: By guarding the boundaries of words, you can safeguard your own happiness in life.

Have you ever had an embarrassing experience due to inappropriate words? 
Back to blog