During my 30s and 40s, discussing personal problems with friends or family felt easy and helpful. It seemed like a natural thing to do.

As I got older, I became more withdrawn. I rarely talked about that. I did occasionally, limited to my younger sister or my son.

The change in my attitude was influenced by age and maturity. Sharing my problems with people outside my own family was becoming uncomfortable. They might not be trustworthy and keep their mouths shut. How embarrassing it would be if they shared our chats with the others.

Asking others for advice can sometimes lead to unsatisfactory answers. The person being consulted may not be an expert, and her perspective can differ significantly from yours. Additionally, she might become annoyed if her advice is not followed. This can lead to a new problem.

If I admire someone, I prefer to follow her lifestyle and principles silently. A good and exemplary person’s aura is immediately visible, and she usually avoids boasting herself. You should learn without much asking.