"Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill." -Gildor from The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Whenever people ask me for advice, I feel a bit tense. I just don't trust myself. I fear how my advice may actually be taken seriously by someone and affect their decision. I try to be cautious with words when spoken or written to other people. I respect the power of words, verbal and written. I also don't think that my opinions really matter most of the time. I guess I should be thankful that other people think highly enough of me to ask. I strongly dislike telling people what to do. I just don't want to take any responsibility for other people's actions. It's difficult enough taking responsibility of my own choices and actions. But then I guess most people are not asking me to. I take myself too seriously sometimes. Maybe when I'm old and gray, having lived a full life and gained wisdom, I will enjoy giving advice.

There was a brief time in High School when I loved giving advice. All my friends came to me whenever they were having problems and I felt so good giving them advice because I felt like I was helping them. It made me feel important. But then I got tired of being taken so seriously all the time. Even people who I didn’t know well would call me with their problems. So when I got to college, I decided to act like an airhead so people would quit asking me for advice. At least until people bothered to get to know the real me. I guess I haven't changed too much in this area since then. Lately though, I have been telling myself that people sometimes want to hear other view points and see different perspectives in wanting advice. So I should just relax, be honest, and say the most loving thing.