Do you ever feel like you have been rendered incapable by all of the capable, opinionated people that share their advice freely and sometimes thoughtlessly? When we moved into our new house, and intended to use a certain bedroom for our then-13-month, did anyone think it a good idea? After everyone had voiced their opinion about how a different room would be much better for her, I looked at my husband hopelessly and asked if we hadn't better put her in the room they all suggested. He shook his head and said, "no, let's still put her in the green room." Which we did. And that is the best room in the house for her too.
I admit that my inclination to follow everyone's opinion was partly based on a desire not to offend any of them by going against their better judgment. But after further reflection, isn't that silly? It is our new house, not theirs, and I am sure they have all forgotten about the issue now. The other part of my inclination was that I began to feel like they were all right, since there were so many of them against our original opinion. Sadly, I have often felt that way. If there has been a strong opinion thrown against mine, I generally feel like the other party must be right, and I therefore am wrong. This often happens. I am a terrible performer in an argument. Perhaps my character is one that people feel to be easily influenced, and so they glory in giving advice to me which they feel cannot be refused. It gives me a feeling of helplessness at times, and anger at other times, because I am quite able to manage myself without lots of "help" from others.
Sometimes people need to step back and allow others to think for themselves, and see what happens!
