This obsessive need of ours comes from a variety of places. It can come from our desire to be helpful and therefore appreciated, valued. It comes from our feeling that we know what’s best more than anyone else. It comes from our need to show off, to flaunt that we have knowledge and intelligence. It comes from a desire to control.
But bottom line, it all comes from an insecure ego. If we felt secure in ourselves, if we knew we had everything inside of ourselves to be at peace and happy, that we weren’t dependent on others, we would not have this obsessive need. It is one thing to offer one’s thoughts when asked. It is another to force one’s opinion on others. Or if asked, not accept if the other person doesn’t take your opinion and nevertheless continue to pursue it.
“What about children?” the reader may ask. “You have to guide them. That’s your responsibility as a parent or teacher.” It’s one thing giving children information they need. It’s another telling them what to do, how to use that information in making decisions. There is a way of helping children make a good decision without telling them what to do. You can ask a child questions. Help them develop their own thoughts about a situation.
People need to make their own decisions, learn from their own mistakes. That is the only way people grow and gain self-confidence. Do not take that away from anyone.