“so I will guard against indiscretion” (ODAT, 18 January)
Discretion, diplomacy, decorum.
Indiscretion is not just revealing others’ secrets but also revealing what I should conceal. Very little of what I think or feel is suitable for public apprehension and appraisal. In particular in close relationships, quite a lot must be concealed, in particular any negative reactions or expressions of my assessment or judgement of others. Developing the cheerful poker face is hard, but it is the only way I have found to remain on good terms with people around me.
When I’m in fit spiritual condition, I speak of internal matters with great caution and take great care not to leak.