Have you ever noticed that there are some people who can’t wait to give advice about everything? All right I admit it; I tend to be one of them. Every situation or affliction that a person dares to mention from a headache, tooth ache, to problems with retaining water, all the remedies that I have heard of, or tried, spring forth from my mouth like water flowing from a faucet. 

I suspect that this is a woman thing, for you hardly ever hear men advice each other on anything except perhaps the merits of whether to pour beer on the barbecue, or whether to drink it while standing over the grill. You've never heard a guy suggest that you rub a bar of soap over a stubborn zipper, or argue whether using hot wax or shaving is the least painful method of removing leg hair. Believe me I never hope to hear this from a guy.

I admit some suggestions do work. For example, putting mustard on a burn does take the sting out. That is if you don’t mind walking around smelling like a hotdog. And Vaseline Petroleum Jelly has many uses. It can be used to shine shoes, purses or belts. It can also be used to remove makeup or soften hands or chapped lips. 

I have heard tell that putting fresh greens like collards in a clean pillowcase and running them through a full cycle in your washing machine cleans them very well. It even breaks off the stems and everything, people say. I suspect that this is wonderful if you are preparing greens for a lot of people. However, may I suggest that you forgo the fabric softener in the rinse water, until you like your vegetables free from static cling, or relish that ‘rain water fresh’ taste.

Let’s face it we have all been recipients of suggestions that didn’t work for us for whatever reason. That's why many professions require you to have a license. Some may recall hearing about a hair relaxer that relaxed folks' hair so much that the hair fell out of their heads. I heard later that one of the main ingredients was potatoes. Is any wonder why I prefer my spuds hash-browned or mashed?

Granted, my intention is to help not harm. I have even tried that Zen thing of biting my tongue, as to stop myself from sprouting advice, but it doesn't help. The instant the pain subsides I find myself giving someone advice on what to use for that fungus on their big toe. 

Still common sense dictates. If a person with no hair recommends a great hair product, unless you are bald, or that is the look that you are going for, you might wish to pass on that suggestion. Realize that we are all different and that some things don’t work for everyone. Also keep in mind that you can't be afraid to live life. So go ahead try new things. But stop a moment and you know --- consider the source.