It is always tempting when seeing a friend struggling with a situation, to offer them advice they haven’t asked for. And indeed, I have often found the advice we are tempted to give, applies more to ourselves than to their situation, as if we want them to do what we can’t do but need to do. This is not to say advice is a bad thing; just that it is best given when we are specifically asked by someone, what do you think I should do? And even then, we should not take offence if they ignore our advice….
In this context, the house I staying in, has this notice fixed to the kitchen wall by the owner:
- No unsolicited opinions and
- No unsolicited advice, about:
- My house
- My life
- My situation
- No ‘if I were you’
- And no put-downs
Apparently, many visitors find these rules impossible to follow and are not invited again…. 
I am keeping my opinions to myself, which is relatively easy as I am here on my own….
