The issue isn't about advice per say. I am in a 12 step program and the way we share advice there is to speak about our personal experiences. What worked. What didn't work. Mistakes we make. Good decisions made. Fear. Thoughts, Frustrations. Feelings. By sharing personal experiences, we avoid direct advice but provide another point of view. After the meeting, occasionally direct advice is given, but normally permission is asked first (ie. do mind if I say something about your situation). In general, I find the first form of 'advise' to be more valuable and less threatening. It helps me think through my own issues and come to a decision that I can own, rather than one that I get from someone else.
BW,, I still give advice. So even I don't follow this strictly. It is just a general rule of thumb for me.
H - 47 W - 44 M - 18+ years Separated? - 4/07 S - 13 S - 15
