Question #308: Fear of hurting others with advice

[AskSatanOperator]

Have you ever worried that though you try to give good sound advice, it might not actually help the person you're talking to, or worse, accidentally lead them in a direction that's not even what they truly needed to solve their problems (thus resulting in the problems only being covered over, not dealt with)?

Words can hurt people. Even with good intentions.

I want to help others, but this is something I'm concerned about, especially here where you only have the screen and words others say in front of you, and not the full visual of the person you're trying to help. You can't see their expressions or thoughts behind the screen, or their life. People can lie and say they're fine and are doing well, making progress, etc. But if someone isn't and they're struggling, unless they speak up about it, then what?

We go on thinking we've done well and helped them, when that might not be the case. That's a scary possibility. I don't want to falsely believe I helped someone, only to find out someday they're no longer here because of something I said.

But of course, I can't stay scared so... what can I do?

 

[Fuchs]

Have you ever worried that though you try to give good sound advice, it might not actually help the person you're talking to, or worse, accidentally lead them in a direction that's not even what they truly needed to solve their problems (thus resulting in the problems only being covered over, not dealt with)?

Words can hurt people. Even with good intentions.

I want to help others, but this is something I'm concerned about, especially here where you only have the screen and words others say in front of you, and not the full visual of the person you're trying to help. You can't see their expressions or thoughts behind the screen, or their life. People can lie and say they're fine and are doing well, making progress, etc. But if someone isn't and they're struggling, unless they speak up about it, then what?

We go on thinking we've done well and helped them, when that might not be the case. That's a scary possibility. I don't want to falsely believe I helped someone, only to find out someday they're no longer here because of something I said.

But of course, I can't stay scared so... what can I do?

Every advice one gives have to be judged by all and the person reciving it. Even a bad advice is better then nothing, then a bad advice will trigger someone posting a better one. In the end writing nothing is the worst, if you could possibel help. As a reply is always boosting the attention off a question (besides unlisting from unanswered questions).