My husband's late sister, Lena Faye used to say "If you don't want something told, don't tell me." I have two secrets. One I let slip a few times, only because I didn't realize it was a secret. But now I do and I won't tell another soul until it's time. The other I was told today. And I haven't shared it. Cross my heart, I haven't. I won't until my friend says I can. And when I finally get to, I'll tell those secrets to you.
Secrets can be a wonderful storytelling tool. When I go to schools, I tell kids don't talk out your stories or you'll never write them. Pretend the paper is your best friend and you're telling that friend a secret.