People share the hard-to-hear advice that turned out to be true

Sometimes, the best advice is the hardest to hear. We asked our Facebook audience, "What's a piece of advice you didn't want to hear at the time but turned out to be incredibly true?" The responses were insightful, touching, and sometimes even funny. From lessons about love and respect to hard truths about life and personal growth, these stories reveal the wisdom that often comes with age and experience. Here are some of their most interesting and entertaining stories:

Kristine C. shared a piece of advice that she initially resisted but now recognizes its value: "Don’t become financially dependent on my spouse. Always have the means to leave so that staying is a choice." This wisdom emphasizes the importance of maintaining financial independence, ensuring that staying in a relationship is a choice rather than a necessity.

Jonna K. reminisces about a piece of advice from her early years: "In kindergarten they told me I'm going to miss naptime when I grow up. Truer words never spoken." This simple yet profound statement highlights how the things we take for granted as children can become cherished memories in adulthood.

Shannon G. learned that respect often holds more weight than love: "Respect is better than love. I didn’t believe it as a young person who believed love conquers all, but as I grew and matured, I see that in order to truly love, there must first be genuine respect." This realization underscores that a foundation of respect is crucial for lasting relationships.

Sarah N. received a timeless piece of advice about human behavior: "When someone shows you their true colors...believe them." Recognizing and accepting people's true nature can save us from future heartache and disappointment.

Kimberly R. shares a career-related truth: "It’s who you know. I thought if you worked hard then you would be seen and appreciated/advance in your career. I have learned it is often who you know and connections." This advice sheds light on the significance of networking and building relationships in professional advancement.

Jo-Ann E. received wise words from her mother: "Don't let other people's behaviour change who you are." Staying true to oneself despite external influences is a valuable lesson for maintaining personal integrity and happiness.

Lindsay L. shares a piece of advice that she found difficult to accept but ultimately true: "No one's going to love you/you can't love someone else/you can't be in a relationship until you love yourself... 'Why should anyone else love you if YOU don't even love you?' Absolutely true!!!" Learning to love oneself is foundational for building healthy and fulfilling relationships with others.

Lisa L. S. recalls her mother's tough love: "My Mom always said to me that life isn't fair so get used to it. I'm 67 years old now and boy I have found out in so many ways how true that is. I just can't get used to it though." Accepting the unfairness of life is a difficult but necessary part of growing up.

Doug N. reflects on advice about personal standards: "Set the standard you want to live your life to and strive to do so. Quit getting upset when others don’t. They don’t care. It’s only hurting you." This guidance emphasizes focusing on one's own goals and not being swayed by others' behaviors.

Lisa L. S. remembers a harsh truth from her mom: "My Mom always said to me that life isn't fair so get used to it. I'm 67 years old now and boy I have found out in so many ways how true that is. I just can't get used to it though."

Mike D. learned a straightforward but powerful lesson: "If they wanted to, they would. If they wanted to talk to you, they would. If they wanted to spend time with you, they would. If they wanted to be with you, they would." This advice teaches us to recognize and accept people's true intentions through their actions.

Shannon G. shares her realization: "Respect is better than love. I didn’t believe it as a young person who believed love conquers all, but as I grew and matured, I see that in order to truly love, there must first be genuine respect."

Bonnie S. B. received advice that proved to be incredibly true: "Don’t rush growing up it’ll be here before you know it. How true was that?"

Debbie I. L. learned to trust actions over words: "Believe what they’re saying with their actions."

Sonya D. M. N. shares a valuable lesson: "Forgive even when they don't deserve it. Especially when they don't deserve it. You deserve to not carry it, to not be burdened by the bitterness."

Tammy G. shares a hard truth: "Perception is reality. It doesn’t matter what the truth is - how people perceive things/people/situations becomes the reality."

Trust Your Gut

Joanne G. offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: "Trust your gut."

These stories remind us that sometimes, the advice we resist the most is the advice we need the most. Whether it's about financial independence, self-respect, or understanding the actions of others, these pieces of wisdom have stood the test of time and experience. As we navigate through life, it’s important to remember that even the hardest truths can lead to the most profound growth.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June, 2024.