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We can get valuable insights from asking a trusted person for guidance. Someone who truly cares for us. Someone who wants us to be happier. But sometimes people throw advice at you when you didn't even ask for it. And nobody illustrates how ridiculous these "gurus" can be as vividly as the subreddit Thanks, I'm Cured. It has 202K members collecting pictures of overly simplistic solutions to highly complex problems that deserve only one response — an ironic "Thanks, I'm cured!" From mental illness to crippling debt, continue scrolling to learn how to overcome your biggest problems!

#2

Thanks For That

Thanks For That

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Casey McAlister
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm having an asthma attack, it's hard to breathe" - "There is plenty of air in this room for you to breathe" - "Thanks, silly me, why didn't I think of it before?"

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According to Elizabeth Scott, a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, since it's difficult to know what to do with unsolicited advice, it helps to examine where the words might be coming from.

In an article reviewed by psychiatrist Carly Snyder, MD, Scott divides the sources of unsolicited advice into 3 categories: helpful motives, less-helpful motives, and very unhelpful motives.

#4

I Mostly Browse In This Sub But I Saw This On My Fb Dash And Thought The Sub Might Appreciate It

I Mostly Browse In This Sub But I Saw This On My Fb Dash And Thought The Sub Might Appreciate It

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Whether or not the advice you received fits with your values or specific situation, it generally feels good to get when you know it was crafted out of helpful motives.

"Often, people offer advice simply because they think they can help, and they want to make your life easier. Their motives are altruistic," Scott writes. "Perhaps there's something they think would work perfectly with your situation or personality, and they make suggestions on how to improve your life or reduce your stress, especially if you're talking to them about a problem."

#5

How To Prosper:

How To Prosper:

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All too accurate, yet a lot of people keep supporting and voting for the Greedy Old Perverts.

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#7

Cool

Cool

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d never tell someone else to travel because I don’t know their situation, but I went travelling for a week at the New Year (thanks, Jacinda!) and it cleared my head so much that I’ve ended up making a lot of positive changes to my life this year. It’s one of those things where you have to be REALLY mindful of someone’s situation, but if you have the money, time and safety to do so, it can help.

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Sometimes a stranger might offer unsolicited advice as a way to start a conversation. Or a friend gives advice to forge a stronger connection. Plus, friends assume they can help you by offering a solution, even if you didn't ask for one. This type of advice, Scott claims, is well-meaning and can often be helpful at times.

"Other times, unsolicited advice comes from those who have found something that works for them, and they want to share it with the world. They see your situation as a perfect fit for this piece of wisdom that’s made a positive impact on their life. They may share because they wish someone had told them about it sooner," the wellness coach says.

"It's also common for people who have faced the same challenges you're facing to offer solutions or advice, especially when it comes to things that have worked for them. As a result, they assume their solution will benefit you in the same way it did for them, and they cannot wait to share it with you."

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#9

Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Healthy Coping Mechanisms

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Then there are the less-helpful motives. These tips might be relevant to your situation, but oftentimes they're not.

"Sometimes, people offer unsolicited advice out of their own neediness. While they may have a lot of knowledge in a certain area that pertains to your situation, their motivations for sharing are all wrong—they're not doing it for you, but for themselves," Scott explains.

Instead of being altruistic, they share advice to feel valued, powerful, and important.

#13

It’s Practically Tropical!

It’s Practically Tropical!

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When you’re sharing your feelings and frustrations with a friend, they might be motivated to help you solve your problem because they view you as helpless. "If you're truly looking for help, great. But if you just wanted a supportive ear or a little validation, you may need to communicate that it's all you're looking for."

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This scenario is quite understandable: a lot of us can't tell the difference between sharing and seeking advice, so we assume the latter.

But giving advice can also be a way of sending a message. "If you routinely share your problems and feelings with people as a way of venting, but take no steps toward solving your own dilemmas, your friends could be tired of hearing you complain," Scott says. "Even if they know that you just want to talk, they could offer advice as a way to get you to do something constructive rather than continually emoting."

#14

But Not Before Asking You What You Have To Be Upset About!

But Not Before Asking You What You Have To Be Upset About!

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#15

Thought We’d All Appreciate This

Thought We’d All Appreciate This

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E Menendez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a joke and as someone with panic attacks, I did snort a bit at this as I know what it would sound like.

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#16

The Dream Team

The Dream Team

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well if I have to choose one gimme the last guy...I want to hear about Sherry.

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Finally, we have very unhelpful motives. This type of advice has more to do with the giver than with the receiver and can feel like a slap in the face. People who are motivated by this type of advice-giving could even be considered emotionally abusive.

"Some people—particularly those with narcissistic tendencies—need to be in the role of 'teacher' virtually all of the time," Scott writes. "Or perhaps they just like to hear themselves pontificate. Their advice is often long-winded and not always appropriate to your situation. Likewise, their advice tends to be more about them than you."

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#18

Lactose Intolerant

Lactose Intolerant

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My thing with ice cream. Is being lactose intolerant to certain things a bad sign 😅 I just tolerate it bc I like ice cream

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#19

But I Hate Turmeric

But I Hate Turmeric

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Others share their 'wisdom' to appear as a "more knowledgeable person" in the relationship dynamic. And giving advice puts them in that position. If you find that someone in your life is always putting themselves in a position of authority over you, it might be worth it to take a closer look at the relationship.

"People may give unsolicited advice as a way to change you or your behaviors," Scott adds. "This advice can often feel like an insult more than a genuine attempt to help. In these situations, it's important to recognize this type of advice for what it is. Remember, a true friend wants to help you be the best you can be, but they also love you, warts and all."

Believe it or not, some people love conflict. They love hearing themselves argue and get a feeling of personal power from telling others how wrong they are. Such people, consciously or unconsciously, tend to give lots of advice as a way of bringing up topics to debate.

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#20

"The Doctor's Said They've Never Seen A Body Kill The Coronavirus Like My Body"

"The Doctor's Said They've Never Seen A Body Kill The Coronavirus Like My Body"

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#21

Adhd Is Just Boys Being Boys

Adhd Is Just Boys Being Boys

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Draco's Dragonfly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tried looking it up online so now I know it's meaning in 20 languages, know how to spell it backwards in each of them, have made three paintings with a 'self control' theme and lost 4 hours of my time. Thanks

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#22

My Chemical Imbalance Is Cured!

My Chemical Imbalance Is Cured!

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "make new friends" bit is the cringy part. But in general, if you are depressed, you SHOULD talk to people - professional and medically qualified people who can get you the treatment you need. Unfortunately, this treatment costs money, which is why so many people default to "have you tried not being depressed" as a solution, because at least that won't land you in medical debt.

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#23

Didn't Even Think Of That Before

Didn't Even Think Of That Before

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#24

"Colic Won't Last Forever"

"Colic Won't Last Forever"

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel this one. I had such bad anxiety after my daughter was born I couldn't eat sleep felt like a deer in headlights. She had some medical issues nothing serious but it caused her to not sleep for 17 hrs straight sometimes. It's a very lonely feeling too. No one would listen or they would say oh you're a new mom it gets better. Finally when she turned 10 I found a doctor and a therapist that listened and believed me.

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#25

Of Course! Why Didn't I Think Of That!?

Of Course! Why Didn't I Think Of That!?

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#26

An Outlet

An Outlet

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#29

This

This

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J. F.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inspirational quotes? Oh, I have one! "In the end, it doesn't even matter"

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#30

I Know It’s Ironic But I Just Had To Post This Because It Fits

I Know It’s Ironic But I Just Had To Post This Because It Fits

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#31

Sorry If You’ve Seen It Before. Friend Posted On Fb. I Lol’d

Sorry If You’ve Seen It Before. Friend Posted On Fb. I Lol’d

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Valisbourne Spiritforge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the work "Okay" when dealing with an intimate who has depression. It's the best word I have that I know to use, but it's SO inadequate.

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#32

Toxic Masculinity

Toxic Masculinity

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lets block ourselves up so that we can explode when the pressure reaches the right amount.

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#33

Thanks

Thanks

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm just preparing you for your future career. Do you think your boss will care if you already have 16 orders today when he gives you 16 more? "

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#34

Paging “Doctor” Mom

Paging “Doctor” Mom

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Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother suddenly getting it: "I know - you're on your period!" Sure, mum, for the past three weeks. Aaaargh.

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#35

I Dont Know What To Put Here

I Dont Know What To Put Here

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this is why I haven’t told anyone except one of my sisters about my social anxiety IRL.

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#36

Hakuna Matata. Shrug

Hakuna Matata. Shrug

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HoneyBun Arts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has always been my favorite movie. Sadly this is pretty much spot on.

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#37

What Others Think That Happens When They Tell You To Focus:

What Others Think That Happens When They Tell You To Focus:

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Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, I am guilty of this with my ADHD daughter: "Please just focus - load up the dishwasher." The alternative is to say, "Please go take a pill." which sounds even worse.

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#39

I Didn’t Realize It Was So Easy. Spread The News!

I Didn’t Realize It Was So Easy. Spread The News!

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#40

So That's How You Get Rid Of Mental Breakdowns

So That's How You Get Rid Of Mental Breakdowns

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Note: this post originally had 115 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.