Everyone keeps secrets, at least occasionally. That’s because we all have inner thoughts and feelings that either are not worth sharing with others or would hurt us or another person if they were revealed.

But does keeping secrets come at a cost to our well-being?

Researcher Michael Slepian, author of the new book The Secret Life of Secrets, explores this question in depth and comes up with some provocative answers. He uses an illustrative example from his own life—learning as an adult that his father was not actually his biological father—to illustrate how keeping secrets can sometimes cause distress or affect our relationships in profound ways. Through summarizing his and others’ research on secrets, he helps readers better understand why people keep secrets, how it affects their well-being, and when it’s best to reveal secrets to others.

To read more of Jill Suttie's article, please click here.