Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to not express an opinion.  Yes, it’s true, especially for those of us who tend to be “opinionated”.

It’s also hard for those of us who tend to be “problem solvers”.  My job requires problem solving skills, sometimes trying to solve seemingly impossible (and expensive) problems.  For almost 30 years, I have spent nearly every working day listening to people’s problems and trying to come up with a solution that will appease nearly everyone.

But there are times when life seems overwhelming and perceived problems in my person life seem so difficult to overcome.  It’s not necessarily that I don’t know what to do, it’s more like that I know what to do but don’t want to do it.  Or I don’t want to have to make a decision.  There are few unsolvable problems, only difficult choices.

When friends and family try to tell me what to do, or should I say…give an opinion…it’s irritating.  Sometimes all I want to do is vent.  I’m looking for compassion or just someone to listen.  Ok, and validation.   Validation can be very good.

So recently when a friend came to me with a problem, it was hard to back away from opinions and suggestions about what said friend “should” do.  It’s not my life and it’s not my problem to solve.  It was a chance to just listen and be supportive.

It was time to give the opinionated problem solver a break and provide a friend with a safe place to land. No repairs required.