"What Fact Are You Just Tired Of Explaining To People?": 40 Things These People Wish Others Would Finally Understand

Many of our problems, whether at work or in relationships, stem back to communication issues. In fact, this Preply survey showed that Americans are becoming less effective communicators, and respondents say that being interrupted is the biggest communication problem of all.

Other communication problems that drive Americans crazy are being talked over (19%) and having to repeat themselves (18%). So why do people get so miserably frustrated when they are asked to repeat themselves? Well, apparently, it has to do with implying that the listener wasn’t paying attention to what they’re saying and as a result, that makes the speaker feel underappreciated and like they're wasting their time.

Repeating yourself is far from the only annoying thing people experience while communicating. Many people are also guilty of giving unsolicited advice, guidance or information that wasn't asked for. Not only is it considered disrespectful and presumptuous to insert your opinions and ideas when they may not be wanted. It can also communicate a sort of superiority, since it assumes the advice-giver knows what's right or best for the listener.

Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Audrey Tang, a chartered psychologist and author of multiple books, including "Be A Great Manager Now", "The Leader's Guide to Mindfulness," and "The Leader's Guide to Resilience” who said that the one and only person we have a right to manage is our own self.

What’s worse, if you offer advice, Dr. Tang argues, the person takes it and it all goes wrong, they may blame you. “Or if you offer advice and they don't take it and it still all goes wrong, they may feel they cannot come to you.”

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is be a friend and wait to pick up the pieces,” Dr. Tang argues. In fact, Dr. Tang reminds us that this also applies to explaining truths you are tired of repeating: “You cannot save people from themselves.” Dr. Tang added that if you are trying to do so, then it’s fair to ask yourself “what are you avoiding looking at in YOUR OWN life?”

While communicating with people, it often happens that people ask for advice, but that doesn’t mean they want to hear the truth. Dr. Tang explained that in these instances, they actually just want validation.

“And sometimes I feel the most empowering thing to do is to ask - what do you want me to say - do you actually want my advice or someone to agree with you?” Dr. Tang said. She argues that this will save you time in giving advice to someone who doesn't actually want it.

Dr. Tang concluded that ultimately, every person needs to make their decisions on their own. We can try to prove them wrong or repeat ourselves indefinitely, but at some point, all our effort becomes nothing more than just a waste of time.