Should You Air Your Family's Dirty Laundry?
The phrase ‘don’t air our dirty laundry’ is a rule that relates to the concept of sharing information that could ruin a family’s reputation.
Many believe that revealing your family’s private matters can cause more harm than good and more often than not, it can backfire on you. However, we wonder if there is ever a time where you should reveal problems you face with others that could alter the way they are perceived. In current times, who knows better than Meghan and Prince Harry! They are constantly being slammed for airing unfavourable secrets of the Royal Family.
Are they crossing a line or simply relieving themselves of the burden of carrying these secrets?
Recently Harry and Meghan have received backlash from fans, tabloids, and fellow family members for exposing infidelity within the Royal Family. Are they ruining their family’s reputation or are they bringing an end to lies and deceit?
While some people believe it is of ill intent, it could also be viewed as a couple simply letting the world know the truth behind the accusations and presumptions people have had over them throughout their entire relationship.
It makes sense that there should be privacy around the matters of a family which is not the business of anyone out with, but they have proven this is not always the case.
We’re all guilty at some point in our lives of letting things slide to keep the peace or letting people treat us wrongly and turning a blind eye to it, but are we just lowering our self-worth? It could be time to take a leaf out of Harry and Meghan’s book.
Netflix: Harry and Meghan
Many of us were hooked on the recent Netflix documentary ‘Harry and Meghan’ that broke Netflix streaming records. The couple exposed the treatment they had received from tabloids, the public and family members after their marriage. It has been deemed a series of ‘airing dirty laundry to the world’. Some have concluded that Harry has ‘betrayed’ his family while others have given praise to the couple for setting things straight.
Knowing when it’s time to speak up
We are left wondering whether the couple cross the line of when to speak up and when to shut up…
The Importance of Accountability
If someone says something offensive or rude, they should be held accountable. If this remains consistent, then it is probably time to take a step back from this person.
With racist treatment from the media, Meghan and Harry decided enough was enough and took a step back from the Royal Family, revealing that the family members never tried to help with the severe scrutiny Meghan was under. This unfavourable exposure was not taken lightly by their family members. They have received backlash for how they have exposed the Royal Family’s behaviours, deeming them as ‘traitors’ and ‘liars’.
This is not to say that there aren’t times where sharing private information would be the wrong thing to do. Any information that someone has put their trust in you to share that is only about them should not be shared as they told with the confidence that they could confide in you.
While coming to terms with your family’s wrong doings can hurt, it does not mean that they shouldn’t be held accountable. With the scrutiny Meghan and Harry have received for stepping down from their duties, it’s no wonder they wanted to set the truth straight! Who better to tell the narrative of their lives than themselves?
When we refuse to hold people accountable for their actions, we are giving away our power and integrity. Let’s keep in mind the example set from Harry and Meghan and remember that sometimes it’s ok to ‘air dirty laundry’ when the secrets you are holding, or the actions of others are making your life difficult.
To live a happy life, you must prioritise yourself. Sometimes taking a step back and letting people know the real truth is key to never undermining what has caused you to feel hurt.