I've noticed that there are certain people in this world who consider themselves to be the foremost expert on all things great and small having to do with both social and personal aspects of life. These individuals have extremely rigid views of how things should be and as such see no room for differing opinions, and openly presume to inform the rest of the world of just how wrong they are in every thing they are doing on a day to day basis.
For the better part of my life I have allowed such people to cause me great distress, I would take their criticism to heart and set myself to the task of fixing these "problems." Yet it seemed that I was forever falling short of this goal, and eventually I would give up trying to fulfill what others thought I should be, but sooner or later I would try yet again to meet the expectations of those who wish only to make others feel insignificant. This being a symptom of a futile search for validation, I have come to the following resolution.
To those who wish to provide unsolicited advise, criticism, or life coaching, however constructive you believe it to be, consider this. I have two pets, a dog who will most likely be a part of my life for the next 10 to 13 years, and a snake who will probably live another 20 to 25 years. I form my life to fit their needs as well as my own, any person who wishes to hold the same sway over my life should also be an equal part of my life.
If our relation, what ever it may be, will have an effect on your life even 5 years down the road, your input is welcome but do not expect that merely because you speak that your words will change me. Of course those who have proven themselves to be trusted friends may always speak their mind with me, and can expect their words to be taken to heart. Any person whose input is requested can also expect their words to carry weight, though it will also be expected that those individuals understand that a request for input does not ensure a change will follow.
Those who know me, know how far I will go to keep a promise, and I promise to disregard any unworthy input provided by self important individuals who place themselves above others for no more reason than holding a differing opinion. Such a narrow mind is incapable of forming thoughts broad enough to provide positive life lessons and are as such not worthy of the time and consideration a lesson of this nature would require to achieve its full potential.
For the better part of my life I have allowed such people to cause me great distress, I would take their criticism to heart and set myself to the task of fixing these "problems." Yet it seemed that I was forever falling short of this goal, and eventually I would give up trying to fulfill what others thought I should be, but sooner or later I would try yet again to meet the expectations of those who wish only to make others feel insignificant. This being a symptom of a futile search for validation, I have come to the following resolution.
To those who wish to provide unsolicited advise, criticism, or life coaching, however constructive you believe it to be, consider this. I have two pets, a dog who will most likely be a part of my life for the next 10 to 13 years, and a snake who will probably live another 20 to 25 years. I form my life to fit their needs as well as my own, any person who wishes to hold the same sway over my life should also be an equal part of my life.
If our relation, what ever it may be, will have an effect on your life even 5 years down the road, your input is welcome but do not expect that merely because you speak that your words will change me. Of course those who have proven themselves to be trusted friends may always speak their mind with me, and can expect their words to be taken to heart. Any person whose input is requested can also expect their words to carry weight, though it will also be expected that those individuals understand that a request for input does not ensure a change will follow.
Those who know me, know how far I will go to keep a promise, and I promise to disregard any unworthy input provided by self important individuals who place themselves above others for no more reason than holding a differing opinion. Such a narrow mind is incapable of forming thoughts broad enough to provide positive life lessons and are as such not worthy of the time and consideration a lesson of this nature would require to achieve its full potential.