Dear Gene,
I took your advice. I broke up with my boyfriend. I quit my job and pursued a career I was passionate about. My boyfriend paid the rent, and I haven’t found a new job. I’m in a pickle because of you. Can you help me out?
—I Dream of Gene
Gene: Wait, you followed my advice? Why would you do that? I give advice that people don’t follow. That’s how advice works. Whenever anyone gives me advice, I ignore it. That’s the point of advice. Advice exists to make you feel bad about your choices, and then you ignore the advice.
Even if I did follow someone’s advice, it would still be my responsibility. I make the decisions. I’m accountable for my actions. I want credit if it all works out.
I guess I understand you blaming me. If I take advice from Eliza, and it blows up in my face, of course, I’m going to be mad at Eliza. But I’d take advice like where to go for dinner or how to backstab my boss. I’d never farm out big decisions like relationships or jobs to a friend, let alone a stranger.
I know you probably feel close to me because I’m on TV, but we don’t know each other. And given my track record, who would ever consider taking advice from me?
Maybe someone like me?
I do think I can help you now. Someone like me might be the perfect person for me to meet. Maybe I’ll take you to dinner. I’ll even pick up the bill. Let’s see if there’s something here? Someone who takes all of my advice sounds like the perfect person for me to meet and maybe help them. Message me!
Looking forward to meeting you.
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