There are times when people give us advice and it just sounds like words, but there are times when people give us advice and we truly feel what they’re saying. What separates good advice from… not so good advice?
First off,
if you don’t understand the person’s situation, have been through something similar, or know of someone who went through the same thing, you’re just there to listen and there’s nothing wrong with that.
But if you do, let’s move on:
- Let them know you know what they mean. If the person senses that you understand their issue, that’ll create a mind-to-mind connection and be more susceptible to hearing what you have to say.
- Inform them about the other side’s point of view. This one’s optional, but if there are sides involved situation, inform them on the other perspectives. Sometimes we get so worked up on what we think and feel, that we forget about the other people’s feelings.
- Remind them that it’s okay to do the right thing. A lot of times people know exactly what they have to do; they’re just not doing it. As mentioned above, we can get worked up over situations, that we don’t realize certain things, but we might also overthink so much that the obvious solution seems so difficult.
And lastlyyyyyy,
don’t invalidate their feelings. If their behavior is depending on the way they think others are perceiving them, and they’re mistaken, then they’re overreacting; tell them like it is.
But if their behavior is not depending on other people’s perceptions, then it’s something more serious; don’t just tell them to “stop worrying,” for example.
At one point in time, we’re going to have to show someone were care about some support.
Haha, I just noticed I’m giving YOU advice in how to give OTHERS advice. See how this all comes together? (◔‿◔)
Do you know about any other things that produce golden advice? I encourage you to leave a reply if you do.
I'm On Break 