Opinion is really the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding. 

~Plato.

This quote made me pause and reflect. How often do we offer our thoughts uninvited, disguised as ‘help’? I admit it. I am opinionated, and learning to keep my opinions to myself has been a lifelong lesson. I have opinions on most things and enjoy a lively debate when someone has a differing one; however, what I have come to understand after many of my views fall on deaf ears is that they are unnecessary to express. If asked, I’ll happily engage, but if it is not requested, I keep my mouth shut, for the most part, anyway.

I get it. We all have life experiences that we want to share to help our friends and fellow humans, but you know what? It doesn’t matter. Every one of us has the experience to get through the challenges we are presented with on our own, one way or another. Those ways may not be best for you or me, but let them go. There are many ways to get from A to Z.

I am that helpful friend. It gives me pleasure to help others find ways to be more efficient or do things better. But better is all relative to where we are starting. Those suggestions may not be the best for you. However, failing, falling, and getting back up is all a part of growth; that is my lesson to let that happen.

“You have to walk before you can run,” holds. Falling builds our foundation, strength, and determination. So why do we want to rob our friends and family of this opportunity?

Unsolicited opinions can get us into trouble with friends. So here are areas where our views should remain mute.

Relationships: When a friend is experiencing relationship hiccups, keep quiet, even if you agree. Show empathy and support for what they are going through. But if you agree and they return together, you may have sacrificed a friendship.

Finances: Money is a touchy subject with many trigger points. Unfortunately, it may have to be learned the hard way unless someone asks for a mentor to guide them. While I don’t condone spending every last cent and living from paycheck to paycheck, personally, the stress of that would overwhelm me; however, some people may not react the same way.

Children: We all survived how we were raised, and if your friends are not raising their kids the way you would, well, you know what? Let it go.

Health and Diet: This is a biggie. The trends of how to eat and exercise have as many variations as there are opinions about them. I know quite a bit about this subject, but please keep it quiet once again. Our physical appearance or lack of mobility may be due to many underlying causes, so mums the word unless asked and engaged in a conversation about it.

It’s essential to know the difference between a helpful dialogue and an unsolicited opinion. Opinions can be packed with judgment, often with an underlying tone that suggests our way is the best. However, we can have our points of view and differing opinions, and it is okay as long as there is an understanding that we are in discussion.

Conversely, not having an opinion or openly expressing it is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it can be evidence of a solid and secure person who doesn’t need to show the world they know everything.

It is not necessary to prove a point. What we believe is a single point of view; is it essential to ensure others agree? If we genuinely want to make a difference, channel that energy into action and let the cards fall as they may.

If you really want to make an impact, become an activist for the things you’re passionate about and create real change in the world.

~ Michelle Jaqua