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This is a topic that has often weighed on my mind when giving advice to friends. What do you do when they're not receptive? I think one should be gentle but firm in their answer. Do not press upon the person to accept your solutions or ideas right at that moment. But if the topic comes up another day, don't censor yourself, but repeat the same answer you gave before with the same delicacy.

From my own experience, I tend to have "epiphanies" when it come to solving the major problems in my life. I might already know the answer logically, but it takes a bit for me to emotionally accept. (And this acceptance feels like an epiphany to me.) The idea has to germinate in my head a bit, as you say. I think other people probably work similarly, and need time to sit and chew on the information you gave them in t

them in the back of their heads. Especially more emotional sorts like myself.

We can hope that after handling advice this way to others that they take it, and the solution works out in their favor. Some might never try out your ideas though. Too stuck in their own problems, making them self-absorbed. If a sheep is solely fixated on the sheen of his own coat, he'll miss out on how other sheep beautify theirs.

Though, I think good people who are explorative and genuinely open to new ideas and solutions won't have this problem. They will at least consider and play with your ideas a bit and see if they like them or not.

Be careful with concealing how you truly feel about an idea with others. It might be wise to do this a bit if there's a disagreement, to maintain the relationship you have with the other person. But you shouldn't have to do this too much. In my experience, when I concealed how I truly felt about situations or ideas too much, it made me think ill of myself.

Like my thoughts were too strange for people, and that thinking killed my confidence. Really, I just needed to find better company. I'm glad your Dad was receptive of your ideas. The fact that he was willing to reconsider after a bit of time says a lot of good about him.

@elilenti I agree with what you are saying about "epiphanies". I have been calling them "revelations" to myself but I think that your word is much better. I have been thinking about writing about them as well.

I love your idea about the sheep. What a wonderful analogy that also relates back to the one I shared in the post. I am going to save that one. Also I noticed you saying to be careful about concealing your feelings. I may have come across the wrong way. I didn't meant to say that one should hide how they feel, just not force ideas if someone is not wanting to listen. Which part comes off as concealing the ideas?

Yeah it can be tough to find people that share your same thoughts and ideas or people that will be open to hearing them. Just keep on looking for that good company. I believe that it is worth the search.