Most people have had at least one experience with a nosy person. You know the type, they tend to put their two cents into everyone else’s business without being asked. Not only is this annoying, it is uncalled for. What happens when the so-called nosy person is you?

Maybe you have never actually considered yourself nosy. After all, everyone needs a little help once in a while, right? Sometimes you see things that other people don’t and telling them is doing them a favor, right? The answer to these questions is the same; not always. There are times when you must learn to simply mind your own business. 

Invasion of privacy

Whether it is a stranger in a cafe or family member, giving unwanted advice/opinions is an invasion of privacy. You do not have the right to plant yourself in the middle of other people’s business. It doesn’t matter if you are right or wrong in what you have to say.

Matters are private until you are directly asked to become involved. This applies even if a discussion takes place right in front of you. In that case, it is only right to remove yourself from the situation and walk away. 

Difference in opinion

One thing some people have a hard time realizing is that their opinion is not the only correct opinion. One of the wonderful things about people is that they are all different. Everyone has their own unique views and opinions.

Your way is not the only way and trying to force your way on others will only lead to problems. This is another good reason for minding your own business. Just because something works well for you, doesn’t mean it will work as well for someone else. 

Repercussions

One final thing to consider is fallout. When you offer unwanted (and sometimes even wanted) advice/opinions, serious backlash can occur. For example you gave a friend advice and the advice did not pan out correctly, now your friend blames you for making the situation worse. 

Another bad side effect from not minding your own business is earning the reputation for being nosy and maybe even a gossip. You do not want either of these titles! This reputation will make people less willing to talk to you or listen to what you have to say. 

Sometimes it is good to offer advice or information. For example if two people are talking and one asks the other where a certain restaurant is and the person doesn’t have any idea. You know where the restaurant is located and can give good directions. It is okay to offer the people this information. There are also times when you should mind your own business.

People do not always want you injecting your thoughts, opinions and advice into conversations. This is especially true if you were not part of the conversation to begin with! You could be invading their privacy and suffer some pretty bad repercussions from giving bad advice. The main thing is to remember that you are not always right. What works for one person may not work at all for the next.