This chapter explores the consequences of keeping secrets over time and the emotional toll it can take. The speakers reflect on their decision to keep secrets forever and question whether it was the right choice, while also discussing the potential benefits of confessing secrets for emotional support. The chapter also touches on the Secret Telephone art project, which involves anonymous confessions through post-it notes in subway stations.
Michael Slepian researches the psychology of secrets.
But what he didn't know — until about a decade ago — was that his family had a major secret they were keeping from him.
One they planned never to reveal. Until …