If you ask me..

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Surely, we have all asked someone for advice at one time or another. And, I suppose that at least sometimes, we got sound advice; while other times it was a bit iffy.

Ann Landers was the first advisor that came to my attention. I remember my mother couldn't wait to read her opinion. As the years past, it was my sisters, my wife, then my daughters grabbing for her column. And she still is giving advice today.

Opra, Donald Trump, and thousands of others are out there today. Take your pick. There are many more that have the claim. But what makes a good advisor?

Ann did it using common sense. I don't think she was actually ever in any of those experiences that she gave advice on, but she knew psychology, and she knew people, and she had both love and feelings. Opra began convincing the Black people that she was right, because she was Black. And then women of all colors thought she was special. And Donald had hands on, personal experience. He knew money and business.

People that give advice either have wisdom, or have the ability to make you think they have it. For some, wisdom is business. The many consultants, lawyers, fortune tellers, and politicians can attest to that. Others have their agenda too. Preachers, teachers, engine builders, Harley riders, and health nuts all have an interest in advancing their views. And there are so many other ways to get answers to your confusion. Libraries, Internet, Television, Infomercials, talk shows, and coffee shops, all are eager to give advice.

Some advice is based on fact and is absolute. Like, "Twist the corkscrew clockwise into the cork to remove it." Some advise is based on experience and is usually correct. Like, "You will become intoxicated if you drink wine." While some advice is merely a matter of opinion; Like, "Merlot is the best tasting wine.

If you ask me, I'll tell you. But don't argue with me if you asked me for my advice, and then want to rebuke it. And if I give you an absolute answer, I expect you to follow it. Please don't keep twisting the corkscrew to the left as you were doing.

Now sometimes, I'll give you advice even if you don't ask. Then it is up to you up to you to choose whether to follow it. If you insist on breaking the cork in the bottle, and if you are not pouring it into my goblet, then I won't care. But I might laugh a bit when you spit out the the debris.

The Wisdom of the Thought Dock is distributed freely and without charge. It is your choice to use it correctly.
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