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How to Respond to Unsolicited Advice: No More Listening to What You Should Do
19.07.2024 16:32
Very often, family members, friends and colleagues advise us on how to act correctly in a given situation – recommendations pour out like a horn of plenty even when we haven’t asked for it.
Let's figure out what reaction to such advice is correct according to a psychologist.
Laugh it off
Sometimes the best response is a joke, so it's worth learning how to joke back in response to attacks and unsolicited advice: this skill will definitely come in handy in life.
Humor makes the advice less powerful, it neutralizes it. In such a situation, the main thing is that your behavior corresponds to the behavior of the person you really want to be.
Promise to think about it
If the advice comes from someone you care about and you don't want to offend, tell them that you'll definitely think about their suggestion, and then try to change the subject.
Give thanks
Unsolicited advice can be rejected by demonstrating your politeness, but at the same time sticking to your opinion. This is another great way to communicate with the interlocutor with whom you want to maintain a warm relationship.
Here are some possible answers that you can say.
- I appreciate your help and offer, but I prefer to act on my own.
- Your idea is interesting, but I think my approach is also effective.
- Thanks for the advice, but I've already started the work and plan to finish it.
