How do you graciously turn down advice?

Let's say you receive advice from someone who really cares, and the advice is based on that person's strongly held beliefs and their field of expertise.


You do not agree with the advice - in fact you are completely opposed to it and consider it a load of crock - but you cannot say this to the person. Explaining why you do not agree would entail telling the person that you hold their beliefs in disregard.


How do you graciously turn down the advice without insulting the person and their profession?


Also, assume that the person will KNOW if you do not follow their advice.How do you graciously turn down advice?
Tough because you do not want to ruffle anyones feathers especially when they really do care for you.


so here is what I would do, thank them graciously and let them know that you are going to take it under advisement and consider what is best to do.


When they find out and if they should confront you as to why you chose the other way, explain that you thought about it carefully and for you that this was the best way to go.How do you graciously turn down advice?
Just politely thank them for their advice and concern. Tell them that it gives you another view of the issue and you will consider what they've said. You don't have to tell them that you consider it rubbish. They will feel like they've gotten you to see their views as important.


When you decide to go in a different direction they shouldn't bring it up at all. If they do, just tell them that you considered many things and made what you felt was the best decision over all.
At the time the advice is given, simply say , '; I'll think about what you have said before I make my decision';. Then make your decision. If they come back at you, well, that is rude and you'd be within your rights to say that you have to live your life your own way. You might also, BEFORE they are able to give advice, state that you have already decided what you are going to do , and you will let them know after the fact how it comes out. And change the subject.
Believe it or not, body language is more important here than what you say. If you are speaking to this person face to face, you should look them in the eye and put as much honesty in your eyes as possible, and then say: ';Thank you so much, I'm going to think about what you said.';





And it's not a lie! You will think about what they said, but that leaves no opening for taking the advice. Your tone of voice is critically important if you are not face to face with them. The same words can work but using a really thoughtful sounding tone can go miles in the way of making someone feel as if their 2 cents are accepted.
Can you be sincerely grateful that they care enough to offer the advice? If so, thank them for that caring with few enough details that they can take it as an overall appreciation.





If I can't be sincerely grateful that they care (often compulsive advice givers care more about being heard than the person they are advising), I thank them for their OPINION and promise to give it all DUE consideration. Worry about the rest when it happens.
I say put on your big girl pants and deal with it.


Being an adult, I don't feel a need to explain or defend my decisions to others, it is my right. My best advice to you is to NOT solicit advice from this person in the future since you know it is just going to cause trouble for you.
You listen to what the person has to say, then remark that you will ';take it under advisement'; and then not follow their advice, that's the polite way at least.
Simply say, ';Thank you for your advise. I value your opinion.';