Advice - Give or Take

Are you the type of person that gives advice? Or more importantly, are you the type of person that will TAKE advice?

I am often the "ear" for my friends. They tell me what dramas are happening in their life and I am the one to offer advice to them to help them get thru it. I am in no way saying I am "right" in these situations, but I always give advice that I would want given to me.

This week, the tables were turned on me......

I have been on an emotional roller coaster for a couple of weeks now and I have been feeling betrayed and taken advantage of by someone who I thought was "a friend". Turns out, sadly, I was wrong.

Now I have ALWAYS been the type of friend that gives you 100% right up front, no questions asked. But if you deceive me, it wont be pretty. For whatever reason, this one has hurt me more. I think because my child is involved.

Earlier this week, I was chatting on MSN with my friend Lee - which I should point out that I have met ONCE in real life and she has been a better friend than many I have known for years! I explained the situation to her and she gave her heartfelt advice on how to handle this situation. In my heart and head, I knew that Lee was right in what she was telling me. I KNEW IT! But I kept responding back to her with "buts". It was a key message back from Lee that struck a cord with me. She asked that if it was her telling me this, what would my advice be to her?? It was like a siren or bells and flashing lights that go off when someone wins at a lot machine. Why was I not taking the advice that would have been the same coming from my mouth? Is it just easier to dole it out than take it? Of course it is....but I know in my heart, I know in my mind, even my gut knows it. I know what I have to do. I just hope I can survive it.

So....are you an advice giver or taker?

*Lee - thanks again for being proof that friendship can be true and honest!