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January 27, 2020 Thanks but No thanks

PROMPT January 27 ▼

Discuss a time in your life when someone has tried to "fix" or "solve" a problem for you - but you didn't see it as a problem in the first place.

How do you generally handle unsolicited opinions/advice?

My best friend is a control freak. I’ve learned to be careful of what I share with him these days because he always seems to have not only an opinion but a solution to what he perceives to be my problems and which he thinks cannot be resolved without his input.

It wasn’t always like that, before he retired he had enough of his own issues to distract him and he respected my ability to deal with mine. It seems he now has so much time on his hands that he has turned into a worrier and thinks he has to protect or help me because I continue to be independent and busy. I love him to death but this relatively recent change is straining our relationship. I had to say to him the other day that I am not his responsibility and my only problem is his interference with my decisions. If I need his help, I will ask for it, but until then he needs to trust in my ability to maneuver my own life.

winter's willow branch
bends in the wind with grace
old oak limb snaps
         ~~jvg