"أنا لا أتحدث عن المال"

Sometimes, people simply don’t talk about certain topics—money being one of them. The core idea of this statement is pretty straightforward: discussing financial matters is off-limits for the person who said it. Now, there can be a variety of reasons why someone might take this stance. Maybe they were raised in a culture where money is a taboo subject or perhaps past experiences have shown them that discussing finances can lead to tension, misunderstandings, or even envy.

Historically, certain cultures and families have always considered money a private affair. Think about the older generations who might’ve lived through wars or economic hardships. For them, money was a matter of survival and talking about it openly wasn’t just frowned upon—it was almost dangerous. Fast forward to today, and you’ve still got people who carry these beliefs forward, teaching their kids that money is something you don’t discuss at the dinner table.

Now, imagine you’ve got a friend named Alex. Alex is an artist—passionate, creative, but not exactly rolling in dough. One day, someone at a party asks him how much he makes from his art. Alex smiles, but you can see a flicker of discomfort. He politely deflects the question, saying something like, “I don’t really talk about money.” It’s not that Alex is being rude; he just knows that discussing his income might invite judgment or pity, neither of which he wants.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing when discussing money might not be the best move. If you’ve ever felt that pang of awkwardness when someone asked you about your salary or savings, you’re not alone. Pick your moments. With close friends or family, maybe it’s okay to share a bit more, but in other settings, it’s perfectly fine to steer the conversation elsewhere. Just find a polite way to say, “I prefer to keep that private” or “I don’t really talk about my finances.”

Alright, let’s bring this home with a relatable scenario. Picture yourself at a family gathering. Everyone’s seated around the table, catching up on life. Your cousin, who’s always been a bit nosy, suddenly asks, “So, how much did you spend on your new car?” You feel the eyes of your relatives on you, waiting for an answer. Instead of diving into numbers, you smile and say, “I’m really happy with it—drives like a dream.” Then you quickly pivot, asking about your cousin’s latest project or hobby.

In the end, the real takeaway is about boundaries. Knowing when and how to set them can save you a lot of unnecessary stress. It’s not about being secretive or evasive—it’s about preserving your peace of mind and knowing that it’s okay to keep some things to yourself.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where money talk is creeping in and making you uncomfortable, remember Alex at the party. Take a cue from him. You don’t have to lay bare your financial soul. Just keep it simple, keep it polite, and keep it moving.