Does it seem that if someone is asking a question of advice, the answer that goes along with their thoughts...

Question

Every time I see a question on here, if it's one for advice about personal problems such as dieting, pregnancy, car matenece (sp), it seems that they simply don't want the truth. they ask the question, but every time they select the answer that requires the least amount of time, money, or effort. They aren't asking a question, they just want people to agree with them. It's like all they want you to do is say, "you're right, i can eat 45093430 calories and still lose weight, because it makes me comfortable :) " or "my car's engine fell out the bottom and drags the ground, it'll only cost me 5 dollars to fix it because i'm only missing my radiator cap? that's what i was thinking..."

is it just me, or do best answers seem like answers that agree with what that person already thinks?

Answer 1

Sure. It's not uncommon. I've noticed it, in a way, on call-in advice programs. Sometimes the caller will mis-lead the host by witholding some crucial piece of information untill it's dragged out of them.

It seems that they feel that if they can just get some authority figure to say "Yup, you're right" it will (almost magically) make it so.

It's just another manifestation of that strange human habit of thinking "reality is what I want it to be and anyone who tries to tell me otherwise is looking for a fight"

Answer 2

Yes, they initially go with the answer that feeds their thoughts... but all you have to do is plant a seed of a thought in the back of their head to stir and make them think about it... and little by little they will think about it (some people at least) and eventually.. though you'll never know it.. you will have gotten through.

That's the way people change their mind... and that's why you can't often change someones mind in an argument/debate setting. They have to mill around on it... sometimes for years.... and change their minds themselves based on the ideas and information others have given them.. and who knows... maybe you ideas are the seed to start it all.

I feel like this came across a little whimsical in my explanation.. but it really is how many people work.