What is a good reply to this situation?

Question

I have a situation here, that I could use some honest opinions on from you good people-

I have been asked to help with a situation that is in my professional range, by a family member, for free of course. The last time I helped this person they did not follow my advice and it cost them $1000's from their mistakes. I have heard about it NON STOP, that I shouldn't have "let them" do it that way, after I did tell them at least twice what the result would be.

Now they want me to help them again, with the same type of issue. There is no way I want to be put in that situation again, it's a no win for me. How do I bow out gracefully?? Or not so gracefully is fine, too!

Answer 1

Tell them that they need to take care of their own business or seek professional help, but not you.

Answer 2

be str8 up and tell them how it is... holding things back is fake and immature... if you have something to say to someone say it.....

Answer 3

Just tell them you don't want any bad blood between them and that you're happy with the way things are between you and them at the moment. Just say you're sorry and that you wouldn't feel comfortable being in that situation again. I hope I helped!!!

Answer 4

Tell them in a nice manner, and with a smile:

"You didn't take my advice last time; and right now, I'm too busy to do that again."

They will object, and promise to listen this time.  So you will repeat:

"I just told you right now, I'm too busy.  Very sorry."

Smile and change the subject or walk away.

Answer 5

Tell them NO, then send them to a referral. :-)

Answer 6

Just say, "Sorry, but I've been down that road before and I got burned, so please understand that I have no intention of going that way again.  My advice now would be the same as it was then.  I wish you all the best."

Answer 7

Bow out for sure!  You can say, "You know, this is frightenly like the situation a few years / months ago that turned out badly.  I have felt bad that you had the set back and truthfully, I simply don't feel comfortable getting involved in these decisions with family membes.  I am sure you understand."

Answer 8

Tell them there are many reasons you are unable to help them out this time. (Don't give specifics-even if pressed)  Smile nicely as you decline.

Answer 9

Tell them that they only way you will help them is if they follow what you say, to a T.  It is not your fault they didn't follow your advice in the first place, and you can't force someone to.  They have no right to be upset that you "let them" do it, because you can't control what they do or don't do.

If you want to bow out, just tell them to go somewhere else for their help, or reccomend them to someone else.  It sounds to me like they are incapable of accepting responsibility for their mistakes, and those are not the people you want to be giving advice to, because something will always come down on your shoulders.