For me, I look at it and ask myself if I’m comfortable with anyone knowing it. Sometimes I’ll just write a general post instead of including details.

Personally, I feel one should behave online as they would off. But to keep in mind that even what we believe is said in confidence is sort of like passing a note in class and someone might intercept. You know this.

If your regular behavior would disappoint someone, then depending on how that makes you feel, let that guide you.

I see two extreme scenarios- you say something/behave in some way that would upset certain people in your life. If that disappointment is rooted in a basic misunderstanding of who you are and by witnessing/reading your words makes them revisit their understanding, then be true to yourself. If it makes them uncomfortable and you don’t want them to be, you might want to guide them away/ask them not to read/talk to them/etc. If however, the disappointment would be two-sided, your’s and their’s because you represent yourself one way and another depending on the crowd (which, I want to pipe in and say, I can’t imagine you doing this) and suddenly you’re forced to see yourself through someone else’s eyes in a context you didn’t imagine, then I recommend revisiting who you are and what type of person you want to be.

I’m a big fan of being the person you want. It might not be comfortable but at least there’s room to grow, make mistakes, and people know what they’re getting. Family has to deal. Friends will cope. Readers will come and go. But you have to be okay with you. If you’re inauthentic, it hurts more than it helps. Always.

Now- if you’re simply talking about taboo/non-taboo talking points, curse words, etc. -that type of censoring self- use the voice that best fits your message and which will best carry to your readers. Readers will determine whether or not you’ll fit them. Loved ones, too.

There’s no shame in having a tough dialogue with loved ones, either. In fact, you might clear out erroneous misunderstandings or come out the stronger relationship-wise. As long as respect is given and opinions are honored.