I've always thought a journal or diary was a private and personal item. Not for anyone else's eyes but the person writing the words kept therein.
Yet, we know all too often that is not the case. Which, to me, is all kinds of wrong. I probably err on the side of being extra protective and cautious around other people's journals. I give it a wide berth and should pages be left open, will shut the journal without looking. Perhaps that may seem extreme, but I think someone's private and personal thoughts should remain that way. I know I wouldn't want anyone snooping around my journals so I offer others the same considertion.