This is a great post!
I appreciate honesty... even when it's hard to hear. I am also learning to respect others' right to not want to hear my opinion or accept my advice.
If I ask a question, I really, truly do want to hear what you think!
I have a couple of al-anon friends that are kind, loving and wise - and they absolutely do not hesitate to shovel through my bs and get to the heart of a matter. I talk to those two in a way that I can not talk to anyone else because I so much value their insight. I never intend to inflict any harm, but I believe in honest and constructive advice.