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Original poster

What’s the best life advice you have been given?

186 replies

RosieLeaLovesTea · 22/10/2022 18:50

Interesting one - what is the best life advice you have been given and what you would pass onto someone?

OP posts:
Abracadabra12345 · 23/10/2022 22:11

dilligaf78 · 23/10/2022 08:14

The only man who will give you the world and expect nothing in return is your dad.

I am happily married with a man who worships me - however, I will be teaching my daughter the same thing as she grows up.

Your DH “worships” you? 😮. How?

MischiefManager · 23/10/2022 22:24

Success is often not about making a big change all at once, it's about the tiny 1% improvements that build over time.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 23/10/2022 22:36

When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

Words are easy and cheap but actions are hard to fake, people will show you who they truly are and you should believe that to be fact. I have drawn upon this many times in my life especially as I am prone to thinking the best of people even when they are showing me their true colours. (But it applies in a positive sense too)

Adultchildofelderlyparents · 23/10/2022 22:41

Not everything needs an opinion. Not everything needs a reaction. Learn to sit back and just observe.

MidnightConstellation · 23/10/2022 22:42

Halstead · 22/10/2022 20:20

Never financially rely on a man

As soon as you start earning money, pay into a pension, even if it's only £20 a month

Put money into a savings account every month and forget about it.

Always carry a shovel in the boot of your car.

All from my Aunt - and every single piece of advice has served me well.

Great advice!

Smilelesstalkmore · 23/10/2022 22:43

I always remember during a counselling session I was talking about how I always worry about being wrong, doing the wrong thing, and what people will think of me etc.

And she just said 'so if they think you are wrong...why does it really matter?' And I realised that 99% of the time, it really doesn't matter if someone else thinks I'm wrong! I always try to think back to it when I am getting worried/anxious about stuff.

MidnightConstellation · 23/10/2022 22:45

CatinaStorm · 23/10/2022 12:20

If you want to get good at something, don't worry about how long it takes. A friend casuyally said that to me when I complained how klutzy I was at dancing as I am dyspraxic. Everyone else picked up the steps sp much more quickly. I listened to her, practised longer hours and was asked to do some public performances.

Another friend said Never make iumportant decisions at times of high emotion and that is an excellent one.

But the best advice ever was from a man I worked with when I was heartbroken and felt my life was over. He said, draw a square , divide it into nine equal squares and fill each one with an aspect of life that is important: Family, friends, health, home, finances, work, hobbies, community contribution, romance etc. Then work on each one every week to improve it, as if all have equal importance. That way when something or more than one thing falls apart in your life, you have plenty of other stuff in good working order to support you. I taught this to DC and have seen them use it during horrible times in their lives. It's kept me afloat often.

That rings a bell.
I m sure it’s a technique that’s taught in CBT or something.

VioletTopaz · 23/10/2022 22:50

Comparison is the thief of joy

Amblesidebadger · 23/10/2022 22:57

Dance while the music is playing.

Pick your battles.

Toss a coin to make a tricky decision and you'll often realise which side you want it to land on!

Live within your means and don't get into debt if possible.

Tabasco007 · 23/10/2022 23:25

RosieLeaLovesTea · 22/10/2022 18:58

@SandraOMG i know what you mean about dithering! It actually really stresses me out when I can’t make a decision on something. Once I’ve made it I am fine.

God, me too, have a major 'not major' work decision to make and I just go round and round.... it's excruciating!

Snowpaw · 23/10/2022 23:55

You don’t have to justify your reasons for ending a relationship if it’s not working.

GreenTeaPingPong · 24/10/2022 00:20

MidnightConstellation · 23/10/2022 22:45

That rings a bell.
I m sure it’s a technique that’s taught in CBT or something.

Show quote history

It's from 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway' by Susan Jeffers, a really excellent book.

Squiff70 · 24/10/2022 07:49

Not advice as such but I live my life by the following quote:

No parents have ALL their shit together. We're all just fucking winging it and hoping nobody finds out".

Also, "always trust your instincts". I wrrongly believe instinct and intuition is there to protect us and those around us. We should listen to it whenever possible.

Squiff70 · 24/10/2022 07:50

*strongly, not wrongly!

JangolinaPitt · 24/10/2022 07:56

Heard one the other day -Ghandi?
learn like you’re going to live forever
live like you’ll die tomorrow

PacificState · 24/10/2022 08:01

Don't put it down, put it away. Think I got this from Mumsnet and it goes through my head at least once a day when I'm tidying up...

When you get an invitation, think about whether you would want to turn up to that thing today. If the answer is no, decline. (One for the introverts)

Margay · 24/10/2022 08:11

Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to a paramedic.

Bramblejoos · 24/10/2022 08:20

Always sleep on a problem - not advised by anyone but have learnt that infuriating/ angering/ unfair events are never as bad the next day.

Bramblejoos · 24/10/2022 08:20

Margay · 24/10/2022 08:11

Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to a paramedic.

😂

TicketToRideFan · 24/10/2022 08:42

It’s okay to feel what you feel, that is, don’t feel guilt on top of your sadness, disappointment, anger etc. your own reactions are valid.

cassiatwenty · 24/10/2022 09:53

@Singingtherapy so true. How do you then actually confide in someone and not worry tho? 😛

Dontsayyouloveme · 24/10/2022 11:21

Autumnleavesandhotchocolate you know.. my other piece of advice which I missed off was ‘trust your gut’..

It sounds like you’ve had a challenging year. Hope things are on the up. 💐

NEUserNamesNotTakenJeez · 21/04/2023 19:57

Don't let the bastards get you down.
Don't be who they expect you to be.

I read this one on here, something like: don't get into a mud fight with pigs. If you do, you both get dirty but the pig enjoys it.

It's all helped me cope with a rumour spread about me in a small town who do nothing but love a scandal/gossip. Best part is, the one who spread the rumour has the most skeletons in her closet! But I won't lower myself to expose her truths 🤷

goingtotown · 21/04/2023 20:36

If you can't say something nice say nothing.

FrosteeFlake · 22/04/2023 18:08

There is always a way through.

Don't look back, you're not going that way.