Sometimes the best advice is NO advice.
Recently I noticed several online arguments wherein people I know and respect were at loggerheads over inane and pithy incidents. Whilst I could have put my written-voice into the conversation, I had the good sense to take a step back.
Yes, the topic was of interest and a subject I have some knowledge within, but the circular activity by participants led me to believe that no more needed to be said. Whilst each side could have needed affirmation, I chose to stay out of the arena.
What I learnt most from this situation can be boiled down to four simple statements:
1. Sometimes the best advice is none at all. Most humans have the ability to give what they believe is friendly advice – yet somehow it becomes judgemental and self-righteous.
Why not take the back foot and let a conversation take it’s journey?
You might find that people know the answer to their problems, yet are too arrogant or afraid to admit and confront them.
You’ll also discover that most people generally ask questions to issues that they themselves want to answer, but are looking for someone else to ‘start the bidding’!
2. Change is not only inevitable, it is vital. This goes the same for our opinion of subjects we discuss. Only a dull-witted person lets their thoughts go stagnant. No body should stick with the same belief their whole life.
This does not mean you sway your morals with the wind of public opinion, nor do you choose the topic of least resistance. Our morals only need to improve, our thoughts need to develop and our stance on taboo subects is open to modification as better options come along.
3. Privacy is not a four letter word. Not everyone needs nor wants to read about the pre-conversations before a discussion is brought out into the open.
4. Not every argument has a clear winner. People are prone to talking themselves into a corner, one where the result is not in their favour.
Next time you get involved within an online argument, take a step back to realise how your input makes a difference, changes people’s opinion of you, and how it will effect your future.
Stephentrepreneur.com 
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