Helpful Hannahs

Isn’t just wonderful that there are so many “EXPERTS” out there, I mean, how else would the average citizen even function without them.   

You know what I am talking about, there are always those “Helpers” who give you there unwanted, unsolicited advice.  For example, one might be out a simple shopping trip to the grocery store. There you are picking out produce and here she comes.  “You don’t want that one” she declares.  “See” as she squeezes the life out of your produce.  “Here, take this one it’s much better”.    Well, she was right about one thing, you don’t want your produce demolished.  

You might be diligently working on a project at work, doing your best and here comes the advice.   “Heaven’s no, don’t do it like that!” “This way is much better!”   Doesn’t matter that you had a reason for doing it the way you were doing it.  Doesn’t matter that they are destroying your vision.  Of course, their way is better, what were you thinking?

Even getting your oil changed can result in an “ERROR” message. “Oh, honey, no, you need the synthetic stuff, you are KILLING your car, uhh… do you like walking?”  I am sorry, please explain to me why I am not given options not opinions. 

And please don’t be a pregnant woman anywhere.  If you are now or have ever been, you know exactly what I am saying.   People are happy to tell you what you MUST and MUST NOT do.   Random strangers not only come up and touch you but also give you their nightmare story of child birth.  “Don’t get an epidural.”  “Do get an epidural!”  “Breastfeed.” “Bottle Feed.” “Hospital.” “Home birth.”  The list go on and on. In the end, just trust you own decisions, don’t worry what anyone else thinks.  It is YOUR body, YOUR child, YOUR life.

And when you have your child, don’t think it is over, it has only just begun.  EVERYONE is an expert on raising children especially if they don’t have any.  “Never…” “Always..”  “Public school.” “Private school.”   I could go on and on, another list that would blow your mind.  But my very favorite is when these “special” individuals have the nerve to declare how many children YOU should have. Wow.  Excuse me, are you going to raise MY children? Are you going to help pay for their education?   I do realize there are some situations in which people have children that they do not want or take care of. Yet some people want to dictate other people’s lives who do want and love their children.

Honestly, don’t we all have enough to worry about without taking on other people’s problems?  If we all took care of our OWN business instead of worrying so much about other people the world would be a better place.

Let’s not forget the “REAL EXPERTS”.  THEY could NEVER be wrong, right?  I mean, the other planets do revolve around earth.   Pluto IS a planet.  Bats are blind. Lightning NEVER strikes the same place twice.   Needless to say even the “REAL EXPERTS” don’t have all the answers.

Not all advice is bad, of course.  But when you are about to dole out advice, please do it responsibly. We can help each other but please, please allow the other person to make their own choices.  I know when you are super good at something it is hard not to jump in and take over but PLEASE allow people to take their own steps. And as difficult as it is, let them make their own mistakes.

Questions:

Did someone ever give you really bad advice? 

Have you ever given someone advice that they didn't ask for?

What are some ways you help other people out without being overbearing?

What is the funniest advice you have heard?

Has anyone’s advice helped you when writing?  Did the advice completely change or just enhance your piece?  

Have you ignored someone’s advice about writing?   

Have a wonderful week, and if you want my opinion-have an opinion but don’t always be too quick to share! ;) 

~Lisa M. Crosby