Wisdom?

[anne_d]

Friends and family have problems. Many problems. They want to tell me all about their problems. So I listen, and I try to say something helpful.

So according to several people of my acquaintance, I'm "wise". They ask, "How did Anne get so wise?"

I don't want to be the "wise" one. I can barely take care of myself some days, let alone my family and friends. I don't need any more people depending on me to tell them what to do.

I want a "wise" friend who will listen and give advice, dammit, and by this I do NOT mean my little sister, who, although unasked, frequently tells me how to "handle" my husband (I've been married nearly ten years longer than she) and children (of which she has none).

I'm seriously considering throwing a tantrum the next time someone wants my advice. Of course, I won't do that, I'll just be there for them, like I always am.

Anne, professional doormat person

Comments

[beccaelizabeth]

You could try giving advice in the form of koans. Or haiku. Something obscure, so they have to go away and figure it out...


You could give them a bouncy buddha
then they have someone wise and bouncy to talk to


... that's... probably not helpful...

er, cookie?
*offers calorie free baked goods*



I find that the 'listening' part is what makes people think you're wise. The 'giving advice nobody asked for' stuff isn't so much likely to be wisdom.

Huh, this is why the internets are all knowing - we tell them everything, they so rarely tell us stuff unasked. Unless it's about viagra.

[anne_d]

*Bows before Wise Becca and appreciates cookies*

They expect answers from me. That's part of the problem.