Would you rather recieve personal advice from a stranger than from a family member?
Asked by
FGS (
1932
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March 26th, 2009
Many times on another web site I was a member of (see, I’m trying:)) I found that I could get much more objective input from those not personally involved in whatever predicament I was in.
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8 Answers
Ah. My first response was that I would not share personal information with a stranger, but I see that you’re talking about on the anonymity of the internet.
I can see where having a truly impartial opinion could be helpful.
Absolutely!! I like strange people. Like astroChuck. :) but really my family is way to over bearing. So I prefer anonomous advice over fluther.
@syz I filter a lot of what I do reveal to maintain my privacy, but in general terms I’d rather hear an honest answer from an unaffected bystander.
Your family often expects you to take the advice they give you, and can get hurt feelings when you don’t.
I’d rather get the advice from the stranger, because most of the advice I need is in regards to my family.
A little bit from column A, a little bit from column B…
It depends, of course. I like both, I think the circumstances greatly effect who I ask. No matter how many details you illustrate, strangers may not get the full picture if your perspective is too subjective, or any number of other determinants. A family member may know the situation, but can view it both objectively and subjectively if necessary. However, their personal involvement may cloud their judgment.
I’m of the opinion that when we ask strangers what they think of the situation, we’re often hoping they’ll side with the answer we hope for, and if they don’t, it’s easy to dismiss as “they don’t really know the situation…now that I’ve said it out loud, I think I know what I need to do…”
Other situations, of course, result in helpful answers and a nudge in the right direction. The results, I think, are entirely dependent on the true intent of the asker and if they’re actually looking for solutions versus affirmation.
@MacBean Great article! And, I agree. When I’m out of my element in a new city, I usually ask the locals where they’d go for a great sandwich or soup, or which museum they’d choose-etc. I can’t think of a time I’ve been steered wrong.
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