Many people feel they have information that is imperative to you. They believe their keen insight will absolutely transform your life. They sincerely want to help you, whether you want their help or not. What is it in this season that allows everyone to believe that you need to hear their opinion? Even if you have not solicited their advice, they give it to you. They post it. They tweet it. They video or photograph it.
Far too often they do not have all of the facts but they weigh in anyway. Social media has created a platform for people to make comments that most would never say to an actual person.
What’s the difference? In which part of the brain did this thought originate?
Intuitive: using or based on what feels to be true without conscious reasoning, instinctive.
Intrusive: causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited.
The first consideration is their motive. Why is this person sharing this… information?
Even a word of encouragement has to be allowed. Some folk do not want to hear anything. They are guarded, private, and not easy to approach. Others love it! They welcome positive affirmations and thrive on it.
On the other hand, a negative comment is rarely sought-after. It may be acceptable if there is one thing that precedes it, a relationship.
We have to invest in one another emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We can’t force ourselves to be connected. We can’t intrude in someone’s life. But, on the flip side, we need one another. We need to be open, intuitive to the needs of others.
Yes, you do have a right to your opinion but before you verbalize that opinion ask yourself if whatever you are about to say, if it were being said to you, would be acceptable or offensive. Helpful or hurtful? Do you have their permission to say it?
