Do you hate being told what to do?

@jesssp (2712)
Canada
April 8, 2010 1:03pm CST
Or do you actually like being told what to do? How do you react when someone tells you what to do? In some situations I don't like to be told what to do; if someone is telling me what to do and it's none of their business or what they're telling me to do it wrong then I really balk at it. But if it isn't unreasonable then sometimes I quite like being told what to do because it takes the pressure off me to make the decision or figure out how to do something. Sometimes even if it doesn't work out it's still better to just do what you're told! And if doing what I'm told makes someone else's life easier then I'm usually more than willing to oblige. Recently I've been noticing people who absolutely HATE being told what to do no matter what. Even if it's something simple and makes their own life easier they will go against it because they don't like the idea of someone else telling them what to do or how to do it. Sometimes they even intentionally do the opposite just to 'show you who's boss'. That seems pretty silly to me because it often needlessly complicates their lives and creates animosity. Have you ever dealt with someone like that, who despises being told what to do and will even do the opposite just to spite others?
5 people like this
21 responses
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
8 Apr 10
I get stubborn. If it's a nicely worded request, OK, but a demand? I get stubborn.
1 person likes this
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
8 Apr 10
I don't do demands either.
@ppelsb (20)
8 Apr 10
i hate being told what to do
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
14 Aug 10
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Like you, it depends on the situation for me as well. Happy mylotting!
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
14 Aug 10
Oops, sorry for the double post.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Apr 10
I'll admit, I sometimes do the opposite just for spite! Yes, I hate being told what to do but it depends on how I'm asked. If they tell me in a way that implies I'm too stupid or inexperienced to know how to do something, forget it. That's one great thing about living alone, nobody tells me what to do! Except when the dog whines for his dinner, or for me to stop working and play with him.....
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
14 Apr 10
Ya, whether you like it or not he will always be the boss, lol! I don't mind being told what to do if I need a little direction but I don't like being told what to do by someone who doesn't know what they're talking about or when it isn't any of their business or concern. But quite often I would be quite happy if someone else made up my mind for me. I get sick of being the one to make all the decisions so when the opportunity arises for me to be told what we're doing I quite enjoy it.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
8 Apr 10
There's noone that tells me what to do, thank heavens. Every once in awhile my kids will tell me what i need to do.. if i want to i will but i would never do right the opposite just to spite someone, how silly. Reminds me of a saying i have heard all my life, cutting off your nose to spite your face.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
8 Apr 10
EXACTLY - that is the perfect saying, isn't it?
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
10 Apr 10
I don't particularly like being told what to do and I also don't particularly like having the decision left solely to me. I'm in a relationship and as an important part of being in a relationship, I think that it is important to be able to work together to make the important decisions in our lives. My husband and I work together very well like this, but I know that there are others that don't have this kind of a luxury. There are many people in this world that are self-centered and have to make all of their decisions for themselves.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
14 Apr 10
My husband likes to be told what to do, he will quite happily leave all the decision making up to me. Sometimes that's alright because, well, I'm guaranteed to get my way but other times I feel like it unfairly puts pressure on me. I've been making him make more decisions lately and even though he's a little uncomfortable with it I think it will be good for him in the long run, it'll help him be more assertive and less passive. It is all about balance and sometimes the balancing needs to be helped along a little!
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
15 Aug 10
i know what you mean, i have noticed this too. but as for me, i dont mind (especially at work.)
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
14 Aug 10
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Like you, it depends on the situation for me as well. Happy mylotting!
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
8 Apr 10
I do not like being told what to do at all. I've never liked it much. I'm my own person and can make my own choices. Half the time I get really peeved over unsolicited advice.. just aggravates me. So I am one of those people who will pretty much do the opposite just to spite the person who's telling me what to do! My husband is one of those people who actually does better when someone else is telling him what to do. I honestly don't think he could make a decision for himself if his life depended on it. I guess that's why we get along so well. I'm rather bossy and controlling and absolutely hate someone else trying to control me... he's indecisive and laid back. So I make the decisions and control the majority of our day to day lives and he just does what I say and doesn't make a fuss. Works well for us, lol.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
8 Apr 10
My husband is more comfortable with being told what to do and sometimes I NEED to be told what to do so that's one area that holds us back a little. If I say we're doing this, that and the other thing this weekend he just goes with it but if I'm feeling lazy and unmotivated I kind of need someone to tell ME what to do or I just flounder. He is getting better with it though, he kicks my a$$ a lot more than he used to, which I do need now and then! I agree that that's one of the things that makes your marriage work, it's one of those areas where opposites do work better together.
• United Kingdom
9 Apr 10
Yes, I hate being told what to do! I have been living alone for many years now and I have become so used to my independence that, to have it any other way, I would not be able to cope with this. I'm not averse to being advised of a situation that I may be facing and someone else has more knowledge in this particular area than myself. I think when someone gives you advice though they should be respectful and not try to force their opinions on you as that could create conflict! I don't like having people buzz around me, involving themselves in my business as it were! I leave others alone with their problems and I would like to be left alone with my own problems, I would rather deal with them myself and learn from this hopefully! Andrew
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
10 Apr 10
Ah, the decision. Responsibility. The double edged sword of adulthood. I don't think any sensible, intelligent person likes being dictated to. That suggests degradation and disrespect. But if the requirement is phrased properly or ones dignity is not tramped on when the "demand" is made, its not as likely a person will chafe. Often, rules and instructions are for our benefit. So, keeping in mind the purpose of the dictate, rule or law, helps soften any irritation. I don't think it makes sense to not do something out of spite. Usually, it just results in bad feelings or unpleasant outcomes. I don't mind playing "second fiddle" and I've been in my own business. Both have their advantages and their drawbacks. Like I said, double edged sword!
• Philippines
9 Apr 10
i hate being told what to do unless i dont know the things that im doing and if so i can just ask them do i need to do. theres really people like that whose like very bossy even if they are not my boss. looks like trying to tell me that i have no right to act like i know something. besides they can just simply say to ask them if i need to know something.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
9 Apr 10
I have never enjoyed being told what to do. I like to be the one telling someone else what to do. I guess you could say i am a bit of a control freak. It's just my nature to want to be the one in charge.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
9 Apr 10
I don't really hate it, i just don't have a choice..i'm not the boss and i'm fine with being told what to do, just not all the time.
@hora_fugit (5862)
• India
9 Apr 10
I don't remember dealing with such people. But for sure people around me have. That's because I'm more or less like that. I usually hate being told what to do, unless it's something related to performances. Not that far as doing opposite, but maybe I'll do nothing at all! My sister said it's a weakness as people could make you do what they want by commanding you opposite. I don't agree with that completely, but still... Now I take random decisions. In short, being told what to do my first reaction will be a simple "nobody tells me..."
• United States
8 Apr 10
I know I do. My Aunt is natorious for giving me "ideas" but then will get on you as to why you didn't try her idea out. And I feel that way a bit w/ the kids as they bug you all at the same time and you do for them but when the shoe is on the other foot they won't. Wich is where I get PO'd! I know my kids are not older but 2 of them can help with simple tasks like picking up toys. I feel I do for them at a moments notice they can do for me & the family as well. I don't mind a boss of course. Though sometimes it can get frustraiting if they change their mind like every other day on something and tell you that you are incorrect.
• Philippines
8 Apr 10
well, my dear mylotters, it depends upon the situations. I hate being told to do so when the situation is pressures and unbearable you know, i love doing things by my own., but if the person is older than me and if i think she or he has the right of saying those things then i will follow him/her. i hate it when people of my age is always asking me a favor or asking anything things from me., I want it that she or he will wait until i gave them.
• Philippines
8 Apr 10
I don't like being told what to do either but sometimes you've got to follow so you won't get in trouble. I don't know anybody like that. If they're too silly to do that just to show who's in charge then it's their loss. Lol
@elizam (75)
9 Apr 10
I guess it depends on how the person says it. I prefer requests to commands.
@bagputza (504)
• Belgium
8 Apr 10
Good evening dear Jesssp , i could say that i am getting pretty frustrated if someone who doesn't know me or even if he knows me takes a ton of High Seights and tells me how to do stuff or just to do stuffs , but now if my mom or my sister or even my employeurs tells me to do something i never talk back or loose some time to make the speicifiedet thingz they said , now if its the case about talking an ideea i reguarally feel free of will to come with an ideea and say why i consider this way of acting will work out better without criticizing the decisions they made before. Have a nice evening dear Jesssp.