I tend to give a lot of advice. I’m sure some is unsolicited…but I’m pretty sure most of it is asked for. And yes, some of that “asked for” advice is by someone on a listserv, so they aren’t asking me directly, but they’re still asking.
In High School, I was the one all my friends came to seeking advice about how to help their relationship with a significant other or something similar.
Friends still come to me for a “reality check” with things. They know that I’ll tell them what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. They don’t always like it, but they keep coming back – so I must be doing something right.
And there’s the thing…I’ve occasionally reread some advice I’ve given and thought, “Dang. That was really good advice!” (*sheepish grin*) …but then I get to thinking, “Wait. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t think they give good advice?” Not everyone can give good advice, right? But does everyone think they do? I mean, sure … I’ve looked back on things and thought “What was I thinking??” But what if I’m one of those people who thinks “Damn, I’m good.” but my advice actually really stinks!?
Filed under: deep thoughts, me | Tagged: a$$vice, advice, reality check |
The Zimmer Zoo 
This is a wonderful post…what I have come to believe is that so long as we give advice in good faith, if it turns out it is roundly rejected as crazy…it’s actually GOOD advice in that it helped someone determine what was the right path for them. How’s that?! 😉
I am the same way. All of my friends ask me for advice because they know I will tell them the truth, but I the way that they need to hear it. Some people need you to just say it plainly and bluntly, and some people need you to be gentle. A good advice giver is the person who knows the difference.