How To Keep a Secret

When you come across some hot dish, you may have a burning desire to spread the news. Keep the cat in the bag to maintain your trustworthy status.

Step 1: Write the secret down on paper and keep it in a safe place or tell your pet dog if the urge arises.
Step 2: Ask yourself if the secret can hurt you or someone else. If the secret can cause harm to you or others, consider confiding in someone who can help.
FACT: The National Declassification Center at the National Archives was assigned the task of clearing a backlog of more than 400 million pages of Cold War-era documents by the end of 2013.
Step 3: Avoid conversations that may have something to do with the secret. If it comes up, act oblivious to the topic and change the subject.
Step 4: Act normally if the secret involves an event such as a surprise party or engagement. Arousing suspicion could ruin someone's special moment.
Step 5: Gain respect from others and keep your integrity by being a good friend and honoring the secrecy. It makes you a trustworthy and honored friend.
Step 6: Avoid gossiping, which could unintentionally lead to revealing a secret.
TIP: Avoid drinking alcohol, which may tempt you to spill the beans.
Step 7: Refuse to tell the secret. If you feel you cannot keep a secret, tell the person you cannot be trusted.