Don't you hate it when you research and prepare for something and everyone feels they have to put their $.02

Question

in, and if you don't take their advice they feel offended?

I've been preparing for a long hiking trip, and my older sister--who once went on a college backpacking trip (for 2 days)--keeps acting insulted that I'm not taking her advice.

I told her that my pack weighs 30#--remember I said this was for a very long hike--which is a pretty average weight, especially for someone who's just starting and needs to bring a little extra to make up for lack of experience. Well, she says her pack only weighed 6#--she went on a backpacking trip for *2* days.

I've gone on backpacking trips before, but she thinks she needs to share her expertise with me by taking me on a small backpacking trip with her right before I go on my larger trip. I'm trying to maintain my energy before I go on the larger trip, but I don't want to hurt her by refusing to go on her trip.

What should I do?

Answer 1

She sounds really nice and lovely but a little overbearing. Obviously she means well. Tell her how you feel and your concerns. It's your right. Try to be tactful as in choose your words carefully.

Sis: I appreciate what you are trying to do. I really do. But I want to do this my way. I have to. Could you please understand that it's nothing against you or your advice? I'm sure that you may be right but I need to do what I feel is best for me for my sanity if nothing else. Ok?