Who you choose to love is your business. There are times, though, when friends and family may poke in and offer their two-cents about your mate regardless of whether you solicit it. While it is easy to dismiss casual comments about your partner, is there a time, perhaps, when you should listen to their unsolicited opinion?
If any of the following apply, you may want to start listening to what the people you love have to say about the one you love.
1. Your inner-voice knows they are right. I had a close friend once tell me, “Stay away from him, Lisa. He’s a head case.” And guess what? They were right. I knew they were right when they said it, but I chose to ignore it and hope the guy I was dating would change. If your friends are telling you something you already know deep down, heed that advice.
2. They’ve always had your best interest at heart. The people who love you the most just want you to be happy. If someone you’ve loved and cared about is sounding the alarm about your new partner, you may want listen. This doesn’t mean they’re right, but they may see things you choose to overlook.
3. They’ve got nothing to gain or lose. If you are listening to the advice of an ex, or a friend who is jealous that your time is taken with your new love, stop listening. It’s also worth mentioning, friends are typically protective of their inner circle, and they may not want to welcome your new mate simply because they are so new, so be wary. Same goes for your jealous friends. However, if the person you’re listening to has nothing to gain or lose by sharing their thoughts with you, hear them out.
