Random Poll - August

"Good advice is always certain to be ignored.
But that's no reason not to give it."
- Agatha Christie

I read this quote in the paper on Sunday morning. I had been trying to come up with a random poll for this month and reading this got me thinking about all the advice one gets through life.

Much of it unsolicited advice.

I remember the The Mister and I taking our little family to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas when The Girl was 2 months old. We went because my then two-and-a-half year old son L.O.V.E.D'd going there.

I put just a bit of sunscreen on The Girl (because the label said "not for babies under 6 months of age') and I sat holding her on one side of the river, with my toes in the water, under the shade of an umbrella. An older woman kept looking at me with disdain in her eyes. I could see her struggling as she watched me in the water with my baby. Finally after about 20 minutes she walked over to me and told me that I "didn't need to be bringing such a young baby outside in the sun". She told me it was too hot and too sunny, and that I should have her covered with long sleeves and a hat. Oh! and also "babies should always wear socks."

Not exactly sure how to handle the well meaning, but snippy advice of a complete stranger, I thanked her and told her that I was planning on keeping her safely under the umbrella and that we weren't planning on staying for too long. She walked away in a huff and we continued to have fun on a beautiful Texas spring day.

I have to say, she did make an impression on me, just not one I hope I will ever leave in the eyes of a young mother. I did learn that unruly advice given in haste is bound to be remembered in one form or the other. But if your delivery isn't good-hearted you probably won't be remembered as much for the advice.

As my Mom used to say: You catch more bee's with honey.

With that said, here is the poll for this month. Today I am offering a "You choose" option:

1. What was the best advice you were ever given? (or)

2. What is a piece of unsolicited advice you chose to ignore? (or)

3. What was a piece of good advice you were given and you wish you hadn't ignored?

This can be advice you received regarding parenting, marriage, work, whatever it is that comes to mind. It can be something from your past or something from the present. If you have a blog, and you would prefer to post your answer there, then leave me a link in the comments. If you don't have a blog, then leave your answer in the comments. I know this one might take some time so I will check the comments throughout the week.

La Vida Dulce!