In this little thing we call life, we like to get guidance from others to make sure we’re on the right course. However, not all advice is created equal, and some sources can lead us astray rather than help us navigate our path. Here are 20 types of people whose advice you might want to take with a grain of salt – or avoid altogether.
1. The one who enables you
This person always tells you what you want to hear, even when it’s not in your best interest. They might encourage harmful behaviors or validate poor decisions to avoid confrontation or keep you dependent on them. While their support might feel good in the moment, it can keep you from addressing real issues or making necessary changes in your life. True friends sometimes need to tell you hard truths.
2. The one who’s living in a different era
This could be a former teacher, an older relative, or anyone who once held a position of authority in your life. While their advice may have been valuable in the past, they might not have kept up with changes in your field or in society at large. Their guidance, though well-intentioned, may be based on outdated information or old-fashioned values that no longer apply. It’s important to respect their experience while recognizing that the world has likely changed since they were in your position.
3. The one who claims they’re an expert
In the age of social media, these self-styled experts are everywhere. They often present a perfectly curated image of success and claim to have all the answers. However, their expertise is often superficial, based on a combination of common knowledge and charisma rather than genuine insight or experience. Be wary of one-size-fits-all advice from those who claim to have unlocked the secrets to life, especially if they’re selling something.
4. The one who obsessively plans
While planning is important, some people take it to an extreme. They have a plan for everything and believe that life can be controlled if you just prepare enough. Their advice often involves excessive detail and rigidity, leaving no room for spontaneity or adaptation. Following their guidance can lead to anxiety when things inevitably don’t go exactly as planned. Life requires flexibility, and sometimes the best opportunities arise from unexpected circumstances.
5. The one who disagrees just because
This person seems to disagree with everything, not out of genuine conviction, but out of a desire to appear intelligent or unique. While it’s valuable to consider alternative viewpoints, their advice can make you doubt yourself or reject good ideas simply because they’re popular. Critical thinking is important, but reflexive contradiction isn’t the same as thoughtful analysis.
6. The one who’s too much of a dreamer
While having big dreams is great, advice from someone who’s all vision and no practicality can lead you astray. They might encourage you to take leaps without considering the potential hazards or necessary preparations. Their guidance often lacks the pragmatic elements needed to turn dreams into reality.
7. The one who’s bitter and cynical
This person has become disillusioned with life and sees negativity everywhere. They see the world through their own disappointments and frustrations. While it’s important to be aware of potential challenges, taking guidance from someone with such a pessimistic worldview can rob you of hope and motivation. They might discourage you from pursuing opportunities, not because they’re not worthwhile, but because they’ve given up on their own dreams.
8. The one who has strong values
Their advice often lacks nuance and fails to account for the complexities of real-life situations. They might encourage you to make decisions based on strict rules rather than thoughtful consideration of context and consequences. While ethical considerations are important, life often requires navigating gray areas that don’t fit neatly into a black-and-white worldview.
9. The one who never grew up
While they might be fun to be around, their advice often lacks the maturity and foresight that comes with adult experiences and responsibilities. They might encourage you to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term planning. Their guidance can be especially problematic when it comes to financial decisions or career choices, areas where a more mature perspective is valuable.
10. The one who avoids risk at all costs
Sure, caution has its place, but taking advice from someone who’s excessively risk-averse can hold you back from growth opportunities. They might discourage you from taking calculated risks that could lead to significant rewards. Their advice often stems from a place of fear rather than a balanced assessment of potential risks and benefits.
11. The one who always complains
These individuals seem to have a problem for every solution. While they might have plenty of opinions to share, their advice often comes from a place of negativity and defeat. Taking guidance from someone who sees the world through such a pessimistic lens can skew your own perspective and lead you to miss opportunities.
12. The one who talks about others
This person always seems to know everyone’s business and is eager to share it. They might appear well-informed, but their information is often unreliable and their motives questionable. Someone who readily betrays others’ confidences is unlikely to keep yours.
13. The one who’s addicted to drama
Their life might seem exciting from the outside, but it’s often a series of self-created crises. Their advice tends to be impulsive and shortsighted, based on emotion rather than reason. Following their guidance can lead you to unnecessary complications and conflicts.
14. The one who’s always competing
Their advice often stems from a winner-takes-all mentality that may not align with your values or goals. They might encourage you to prioritize success over ethics or personal relationships. While ambition can be positive, taking advice from someone who sees life like this can lead to burnout and damaged relationships.
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