There’s nothing worse than getting unwanted advice. Once in awhile this advice may actually be helpful, but many times, it’s just annoying, especially when the advice comes from someone who hardly knows anything about you or what you’re going through.

Today we’re talking about that rare advice that actually is helpful even when it comes from a stranger. Sometimes the most unexpected advice is actually the best.

Twitter user @amandadeibert asked, “What is a piece of advice someone gave you that ended up being SURPRISINGLY good?” 

Get ready for some spectacular pieces of wisdom. This advice is actually really helpful.

1. I had decided not to submit an essay to a journal, feeling it wasn’t good enough. A friend reminded me that it’s not my job to decide that. I submitted it and got my first academic publication. I’ve had lots of rejections since then, but never pre-judge my own work.

   — Mike Sell, PhD (@mike_sell) March 21, 2021

2. “Sometimes, it’s best to be the only one who knows what you’re thinking.” – My Father

   — In The Dolomites (@QEDmostly) March 21, 2021

3. I guess it wasn’t advice per se, but we both sat with it for a minute, and I couldn’t believe how relevant it felt. So, I stopped. I give myself room to simply be. I take up space. I’m modeling it for the kids too.You don’t have to justify your existence. You can just be.

   — DeAnna Burghart (@DeAnnaBurghart) March 30, 2021

4. A ringing telephone is a request for your attention. Don’t turn it into a demand.

   — Shemena (Elle) Campbell, Maker of Art and Humans (@shemenacgmailc1) March 23, 2021

5. Making the wrong decision is better than no decision.

   — Taco Trucker 71 (@TacoTru71535307) March 21, 2021

6. Nobody knows what you don’t know.

   — David Beazley (@dabeaz) March 21, 2021

7. “Don’t take yourself seriously.”

   — Don Linn (@DonLinn) March 21, 2021

8. It’s not your job to educate somebody. They need to seek information. Also everyone is not going to like you and that is ok. Dad

   — Joy (@5feetpetite_75) March 21, 2021

9. Woody Allen said “80% of success is just showing up.” I used to think that was a funny joke, but now I know it is simply good advice. Show up prepared, and you get a 95.

   — CK Johnson BLM (@CKJohnsonBk) March 21, 2021

10. When negotiating a salary, ask for the highest number you can say with a straight face.

    — Laura Norkin (@inLaurasWords) March 21, 2021

11. My mother told me never to get involved with a man who dislikes cats – especially if he *does* like dogs. “He likes dogs because they’re obedient; he doesn’t like cats because they’re independent – if he doesn’t like it in a cat, he won’t tolerate it in you”.

    — Pragmagressive 🏳️‍🌈 (@talespin22) March 21, 2021

12. Can confirm that saying, “What are you, three?” to an actual toddler makes me laugh and feel a little better.

    — Masamage (@masamage) March 22, 2021

13. Keep your expectations low. You’ll be a happier person.

    — Diana Heliotes (@DianaHeliotes) March 21, 2021