Are you sure you’re doing that right?

We’ve all experienced it before, that one friend, family member, or random person who has an opinion about everything. Sure we all have opinions, but this person in particular, well their opinion seems to be even further off the mark.

“Oh, so you are going to travel from Malaysia to Indonesia on a ferry that leaves twice-a-day, every day, all year? I dunno if I would do that, haven’t you heard about the pirates of the Malaccan Straits?” says the person who has never left the United States. “What, you’re going to quit your job and travel? What about building toward your future?” says the friend who has no idea what a CD, IRA, or savings account are, nor how to get one. This, my friends, is the faux know-it-all who doesn't know jack about the opinions they are offering.

Maybe it’s because while traveling alone, unless you really want to be alone, you're forced to meet new people all the time, but my patience is wearing thin. I've had too many cigarette-smokers talk to me about the chemicals in my choice of food, or obese travelers talk to me about exercise than I can handle. It’s not to say I don’t like advice, but is it really that hard to make conversation without subjectively commenting on the actions of another individual?

I hate to be a negative Nancy, but I rank the faux-know-it-all up there right around the same level as the dude who pees on the seat and doesn't clean it up, as well as the guy in the ski lodge who hasn't actually hit the slopes but has fresh gear and a big mouth. As the world seems to get crazier and crazier, the importance of giving and receiving good advice only grows. With that being said, unless you have good information to bestow, and you’re a knowledgeable source, steer clear of pointers, tips and judgment. For the sake of humanity (as well as my own sanity) don’t be that guy, just don’t.

Image courtesy of Antonio Beardall