"Stop wearing your heart on your sleeve."

It wasn't until a couple of months ago that I decided to stop wearing my heart on my sleeve. Before making that choice, if I considered you a friend, even if we had only known each other for a few weeks or months, I was an open book. I’d share my deepest thoughts, experiences, and emotions like it was second nature.

But here’s the hard part: some of the very people I opened up to, we don’t even talk anymore.

So now they’re walking around with pieces of my story. All my dreams, my goals, my flaws, my past, they have it. And what they choose to do with it is out of my hands. They could pray for me… or they could gossip. They could root for me… or hope I fail.

Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you’ve worn your heart on your sleeve only to have your trust betrayed, your mistakes talked about, or your vulnerability met with silence or shade.

If that sounds familiar, I hope this post encourages you to start protecting your heart a little more.

What does it mean to wear your heart on your sleeve?

Let’s break it down. Our hearts are where we feel, process, and store so much of who we are; our emotions, our hopes, and our fears.

By definition, “wearing your heart on your sleeve” means openly showing your feelings instead of hiding them. And while vulnerability is powerful and necessary in the right context, not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your heart.

Not Everyone Deserves Access

A lot of times, when we meet new friends, start dating someone, or even just talking to our followers on our social media, we assume they can be trusted. We believe they’ll stick around, that they’ll understand us, that they’ll protect what we share.

But people are human. Imperfect. Some will take what you’ve said and bring it up in group chats. Some will subtly doubt your dreams. Some might even joke about your insecurities like they’re memes.

And yes, this includes what you post on social media.

Maybe you've posted a heartfelt caption about your struggles, a note about healing, or even a story about your dreams. Then later, you regretted it. You noticed certain people viewed it, but never reached out. Or worse, they screenshot it and made it a topic for laughs. That’s why we have to be mindful, even online, about what we share and who we’re opening up to.

Let’s talk about a healthier way to protect your heart and still be real.

Tips for Protecting Your Heart (Without Shutting Everyone Out)

1. Think Before You Share

Before you pour your heart out, whether in a late-night text, a private convo, or even a TikTok caption, pause.

Ask yourself:

• Is this person usually supportive?

• Do they give wise or helpful advice?

• Have they gossiped about me (or others) before?

• Have they thrown my past in my face?

• Do they hype up my goals or tear them down?

And one more thing, have you talked to God about it first? He’s the safest place to go with your emotions.

2. Consider the Weight of What You're Sharing

Sometimes we drop something deep on a person and expect them to hold it without wobbling. But what if it’s too heavy for them? What if they vent to someone else just to unload what we gave them?

People aren’t always equipped to carry what you’re carrying. And that’s okay, but it means we need to share with wisdom.

3. Let the Past Stay in the Past

We all love a good heart-to-heart. But when you’re constantly bringing up the old you, it can cloud how others see the new you.

You don’t owe everyone a detailed story of your mistakes or trauma. Heal, grow, and let your present speak louder than your past.

4. Ask: Will They Even Get It?

Your dream might not make sense to them. And that’s fine, it’s your dream, not theirs. But if they don’t get it, they might talk you out of it or make you doubt yourself.

Sometimes it’s better to let your results speak for themselves rather than trying to explain your vision to someone who doesn’t have the same lens.

Final Thoughts

This post isn’t a “cut everyone off” type of message. It’s a “be wise with your heart” message.

Yes, friendships and relationships are built through sharing, but share with care. Learn the difference between a safe space and a risky one. Even some of the most successful, happiest people only let a few truly know what’s going on behind the scenes.

I know how easy it is to overshare when things feel comfortable. But comfort isn’t the same as safety. And wisdom will always protect you more than impulse will. Proverbs 4:6: "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

Thanks for reading. Protect your heart, grow in wisdom, and I’ll catch you next week!