2 Cents

Originally posted 9-8-2012

So recently my life has been in a bit of an upheaval and it has led me to receive multiple forms of criticism from those around me. I am left frustrated by what they say. Honestly, where does all the judgement come from?

I understand that people try to be helpful. Seriously though, there is a distinct and completely misunderstood line between opinion and advice. When talking to another person about life, one will want to be wary of this line.

Opinions are completely biased whereas advice is a process. When one forms an opinion, it is solely based on that person’s perspective, wants, and preferences. Advice, on the other hand, takes into consideration the other person’s perspective, wants, and preferences. I think too many people end up offering opinions over advice due to the fact that our society has bred us to be self-centered. We focus too much on ourselves first and that is a fact of social nurture. One has to lookout for oneself as most others won’t do it for you.

I’m sure Freud would enter here with some schpeal about the Ego and the Id. However, I don’t care for Freud so we’ll skip that.

This thought process has led me to ponder the phrase of one giving their ‘two cents.’ I use to think of this concept as an endearing slang but no longer do I think this is accurate. Honestly, what is two cents worth? Not a damn thing. Even 200 pennies isn’t worth much as almost no one would take them.

So here’s the challenge: next time you are in a conversation and someone says something like “I want to move to Seattle” take a moment and think. Think about that person and the things they like. Would Seattle suit them even if it wouldn’t suit you? What other cities are similar that would suit them? Think about that person; offer advice, not opinion.

Keep your two cents in the change jar.