Have you ever gotten advice from someone and thought, “Well, that is absolute nonsense?” More often than not, popular advice is incredibly unhelpful for the situation and, in other circumstances, can even flip to the other side and become harmful. People took to the Internet to discuss this exact issue, sharing some of the common words of wisdom handed out that they think are nonsense. Good advice is a lifesaver at the right moment, but sadly, too many people think they know what they’re talking about when they are only stirring the pot further. So, if you’ve ever gotten bad advice, read on, and maybe you’ll feel a little vindication.
#1: How to Make It Worse
When you’re already scraping the bottom of your mood barrel, and someone chimes in with a “Hey, it could be worse,” it’s like pouring salt into a paper cut. It’s not just unhelpful; it feels like someone’s saying your raincloud isn’t big enough because there’s a hurricane somewhere.
As if feeling miserable wasn’t enough, you’ve got to measure it on a global scale. That’s like telling someone who tripped that it’s no big deal because someone else fell off a cliff. Maybe what we need is not a yardstick for pain but just a bit of empathy.
#2: Cut Your Losses, Hmm?
Ah, the old “never give up” spiel. Let’s be real; sometimes, the best move is to throw in the towel and grab a new one. It’s not quitting; it’s a strategic retreat to fight another day. Choosing a new dream when the old one does not fit right anymore.
Life’s a buffet, and doggedly chewing on a tough steak when there’s a whole spread of options seems silly. So, let’s not be one-track-minded. It’s liberating to let go sometimes, like swapping a dead-end road for a highway of endless exits. Keep your eyes peeled for the next turn; it might just be your best detour.
#3: Age is Not a Sign of Maturity
Once upon a time, elders were respected because it took a lot of maturity and grit to get to an old age. But let’s face it, especially these days, sometimes those years might just mean someone’s been around the block a few more times, not necessarily that they’ve picked up any sage advice.
Nowadays, making it to old age doesn’t require the survival skills it once did, thanks to microwavable dinners and modern medicine. It’s a mixed bag; some have earned their stripes, and their stories are libraries of life lessons, while others… well, they’re just old.
#4: Different Meaning to This One
This is a bit misguiding if you ask me. To a degree, some people are jerks, but there is a level of advocating for yourself that you can achieve with enough self-respect and assertiveness. Yeah, people are bullies and will abuse their power to those who don’t have it, often stuck in a bad situation they can’t get out of.
At the same time, there are times when putting your foot down can at least get some jerks to back off, and for the ones who don’t, a confrontation will maybe get them to think twice about starting with you. It won’t stop all the pests, but it’ll keep some at bay.
#5: Somehow, That Doesn’t Make it Better
When it comes to bullying, the “they’re just jealous” line is as comforting as a band-aid on a broken leg. However, it misses the point completely. Kids can be mean for a million reasons, and painting them all as green-eyed monsters oversimplifies the mess.
It’s less about jealousy and more about them acting out and hurting others in the process. Brushing it off doesn’t fix anything. So let’s not make excuses for them. Instead, let’s get to the heart of it; maybe then we can clear the skies a bit for everyone.
#6: Better Not to Overdo It
“Clean your plate,” they say as if your stomach’s got endless space like a magician’s hat. Forcing down that last bite isn’t doing favors for anyone. Sure, wasting food is a no-go, especially if you’ve come from a less wealthy household, but treating your belly like a storage unit isn’t the answer either.
It’s about balance, learning to pour the perfect cereal so you’re not left with a milk lake. Learning how much food you need to eat in the first place so you don’t end up with too much will lead to less overeating or wasting, striking a sensible balance.
#7: Who Needs Feelings When There’s Anger?
Now, there’s a phrase about floppy disks being as outdated as floppy disks. We’ve come a long way from the Stone Age, but apparently, emotional intelligence is still catching up. In the workplace, on the playing field, and at home, bottling up feelings is like shaking a soda can; eventually, it’s going to burst.
And it’s not just a guy thing anymore. Women vying for the same stoic trophy find themselves in this emotional arm-wrestling match, too. It’s high time we ditch the whole act. Maybe the bravest thing isn’t to “man up” but to open up, embracing the full spectrum of human emotion, regardless of gender. That’s the real strength.
#8: Blood Isn’t Always Thicker than Water?
Sometimes, the family photo is more sepia-toned than rosy. Some relatives come with thorns, and no matter how hard you try, the garden of family life isn’t going to bloom. It’s a tough situation to be in, realizing that blood ties don’t automatically bind you to unwavering support and love.
It takes courage to acknowledge that the family tree can sometimes have rotten branches. Learning to distinguish which limbs to nurture and which to prune is part of growing up. Friends, on the other hand, can be like the select perennials you choose for your garden—there for you season after season, offering the right shade or support.
#9: The Future is Bright For Those With the Will
The cap and gown, the march across the stage – a scene etched into the script of the American Dream. But what if the college path isn’t your script? We’re all handed the same map, but some are meant to navigate different roads. College can be a launchpad to the stars for many, a place to grow and to grasp the tail of dreams.
Yet, for others, it’s just not the right fit. Success isn’t a degree on a wall; it’s the satisfaction of a well-lived life and work well done. The world needs thinkers and doers, creators and builders, many of whom have crafted their legacy without ever setting foot in a lecture hall. And that’s not just okay; it’s to be celebrated.
#10: Cooler Heads Make For Cooler Decisions
It’s a well-meaning nugget of advice, but it assumes that exhaustion breeds rational thought, which it rarely does. Trying to untangle a knot with fingers numb and eyes half-closed–that’s hashing it out when you’re both spent. It’s not giving up to press pause, get some rest, and let the storm in your mind settle.
Sleep can be a mediator, offering the distance needed to see the heart of the matter. And yes, the morning light often brings a fresh perspective, a softer heart, and a clearer mind. Remember, it’s not the pause but the promise to return. If you take a break, just work it out the next day and don’t just bury it
