“Have I yielded too readily to friendly advice, well-meant, but based on only limited knowledge of all the factors?” (ODAT, 30 August)
The trouble with solicited advice is my soliciting of it.
It’s hard to present a situation neutrally, as the choice of premises involves judging their relevance and value.
This is why to be asked for advice is to be offered a poisoned chalice.
One is being asked to cosign, if not the outcome, the premises.
Getting behind the façade to the truth is resisted.
Most people do what they were going to do anyway.
If one’s bad advice is followed, one gets the blame.
Best to stay out of it.