Journal Of Applied Psychology

Is Your Advice Making Things Worse?

🔊 "No One Asked for Your Advice — Stop Talking" | Sober Psychology Short Here’s the dark little psychological nugget for you today: People don’t want your advice. They want your presence. A 2021 study from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that unsolicited advice makes people feel judged and defensive. Yeah… your “helpful suggestions”? They’re making things worse. So when your friend is venting about their toxic relationship, don’t roll in with: 👉 “You should just dump them.” Try: 💬 “That sounds rough. What do you think you’re gonna do?” Let them process. Let them feel heard. You’re not Dr. Phil and—brace yourself—nobody asked. I struggle with this too. As someone who’s obsessed with fixing things, I’ve had to learn: 📌 Wisdom waits. Ego interrupts. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is shut up and just be there. Your advice may be solid, but your timing? Trash.