Knowing when it's time to let go...don't wait for the snakebite

You never stop learning.  Even as adults we are always learning, sometimes we know how to better avoid the snakebites, but sometimes they get us all the same.  Each "bite" includes a lesson..

Sometimes people want your help and sometimes they don't.  Don't get too caught up in other peoples drama, and don't insert yourself where you don't belong.  You can't fix everyone, or everything. Accept that!!  Some people ask for help but don't really want it.  DON'T LET YOURSELF GET CAUGHT UP IN THEIR DRAMA - this has happened to me more than once, and I keep getting bit, haven't learned the lesson yet...  *sigh*

When someone continues to ask your opinion, but doesn't really want it, they will give you signals over and over again that they DON'T want it.  Here's an conversation to give you an example:

I'm going to do this________________, and then I'm going to do this_____________________.  What do you think?

Well, I don't think you should do that and this is why, you are going to get hurt, you're actions are going to hurt someone else, it's dangerous,  and it's a bad idea.

Response, yea..well, I don't know.  

YEA, I DON'T KNOW??? - that is your signal they aren't listening, and don't really want to hear what you have to say.

If you are having conversations like this with anyone, they don't really want your input, your advise, your opinion, period.  They aren't listening to you, and they are probably going to do the exact opposite of what you tell them. They are not looking for advise, they are looking for conversation.  And usually you will find it's a conversation about them, that perpetuates their drama.  If this is frustrating for you, leave the conversation.  If you don't, chances are you are going to get snake bit.  And don't get involved in their stuff.  Don't put yourself in the middle of the action, even if you are just doing your best to help.  This is a very bad idea.  Trust me on this. Your help isn't wanted.  When you keep telling someone something they really don't want to hear, that goes against their wishes (and their actions) they will eventually get tired of hearing it and strike back.  If you drop yourself into the situation, they will strike back.  Whether it's with actions or words, that bite stings.  Usually that bite is that individual's way of saying "I keep asking you the same questions and I'm tired of your answers.  You are not doing what I want you to do.  GET OUT OF MY LIFE!"  

BITE!!!  ouch that stings.  But if you don't listen, and keep going back, you'll get bit again and again until you get it.  No relationship is worth that.  Take the hint and acknowledge it for what it is, and walk away.

One Note:  the bird in the photo above looks innocent, and unknowing of what's to come.  In truth if you are in a potential snake bite situation, you usually know it.  Do yourself a favor and fly away.