AWAP Wednesday: How Do I Handle Unwanted Advice?

Have you ever been approached by someone who's just brimming with advice about your health? Then you'll want to watch this video. Jenni Prokopy offers a simple conversational model to end the endless defensive questions about our health care choices.

[sanwichsays]

The most effective thing for me has been, "I don't want to talk about it" (for strangers).

[LifeByMuse]

I so love you! :) Thank you for this and your other videos. You make me smile!

[ThereseKay]

I've also tried being really blunt, but in a kind way.  "I'm not interested in that right now."

[charles]

Thanks for your i needed it, theres an older guy whose acting as a big brother to me "who cares", he's always around and pretend that he cares lol! im bugged already to him, besides i myself is a bigbrother to my siblings, thanks

[fragilefleur]

I think some people genuinely care or feel they have something to offer and that's where it's good to be gentle at first. Some are very self righteous and even accusatory or condescending and others are genuinely sure that you are ignorant or misinformed or whatever. I try to let people say what they want to when I have the patience for it but being in chronic pain means some days we have less ability to baby others' feelings and need to just cut to the chase and either offer what you feel comfy sharing or what you said which is to gently move the convo off of your health and their need to help. Some people want to help genuinely and if you do want to exchange info but not at the time you can say that you would love to talk about your health later but need a break from the topic since its been a major focus and you need some down time from medical stuff. Most people who truly care will respect
It. The rest yup, pass the dip. Or oops, time for a bathroom break. Lol.