Have you ever had a time when people think they know so much about what you are going through and they empathize or even sympathize with you? Have you ever had a time when the more wise and experienced give you advice in which their parents or elders gave them? What about a time when someone gives you random advice? I welcome advice and even constructive criticism, but my recent pet peeve has become unsolicited advice.
So I'm new to the whole pregnancy and motherhood thing. Every new mother is. I often worry about the things I don't know, and as I told my mom, I'm going to look at this go round as a "trial-and-error" thing. You never know until you try, right? Recently, I have come across people who give their opinion on EVERYTHING I say, eat, sit, walk, dress, or do while I am pregnant. I know that I am carrying precious cargo. I know my limits. I know how I feel. I know what I really shouldn't do. I get so aggravated when people tell me something over and over, or give their opinion when I really don't want it. Being pregnant has definitely taught me to be patient, but my patience is running thin on people giving advice when they should keep it to themselves. I know the right thing to do is be benevolent or amiable and smile, but my fake smiles and fake benevolence is running out. If I want your opinion, I will ask, otherwise, keep it to yourself!
(I guess I can always blame my emotions on my hormones!)
Motherhood is definitely a "trial-and-error" thing! Many trials and a lot of errors! :) You'll figure it out about the time you have grandchildren! Just remember that some of the people who give advice are doing so out of love and concern for you. They're sharing their experiences to create a connection with you. Some are sharing the "old wives' tales" because that's what they were told. And some are just nosy busy bodies who love to get under anyone's skin! Accept it all with a smile (you DO have more!) and laugh about it! Count your blessings! Laugh! Count your loved ones! Laugh! Count how many times you'd love to just bop somebody up side the head! Laugh!
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