Even advice from those who irritate us

can be valid.

Hopefully, we have someone whom we have an unusually good affinity with. We respect and trust this person so much that when she corrects us, we just say “Oh, okay.” And then we calmly do as she recommends. No fuss. No arguing.

We simply accept the advice and act on it because she knows us and cares about us, and offers her words in a non-emotional, non-confrontational way. And if it comes with critique, it is easy to accept.

Unfortunately, there are those we share a weak affinity with and whom we trust only minimally. So when he criticizes us, we bristle with irritation. We may not even utter a reply.

Such defensive stances are typical for us still stuck here in samsara. But maybe, just maybe, he has valid points, helpful ones. While he may not have our best interests at heart, he may nonetheless be observing the situation clearly.

We need to consider that his advice, even if given unskillfully and without affection, might be accurate.