You've probably heard that keeping secrets is bad for your mental health, but not all secrets are created equal. According to a new study, researchers say that keeping a secret about good news—such as a marriage proposal or a new job—can actually brighten up your life.
The study involved five experiments with 2,500 people to compare the effects of positive and negative secrets. Overall, participants reported feeling energized by the thought of keeping exciting news to themselves. The anticipation of a big reveal was also described as enlivening when the information was positive.
The researchers noted that while people often feel forced to hide negative or embarrassing secrets, they enjoy being discreet about good news. The lead author of the study explained that when our actions stem from our own desires rather than external pressures, we feel more ready to take on whatever lies ahead.