11 Classy Ways To Respond When Someone Offers You Unsolicited Advice

Say these things when someone gives advice you didn’t ask for.

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Unsolicited advice can be a tricky terrain to navigate. While often well-intentioned, it can leave us feeling frustrated, undermined, or even insulted. Mastering the art of gracefully deflecting unwanted suggestions is a valuable skill that preserves relationships and maintains your autonomy. Here are eleven classy ways to respond when someone offers you unsolicited advice.

1. “I appreciate your concern.”

Two men are having a conversation in a bright room. One is gesturing with his hands, wearing a plaid shirt, and glasses. The other has his arms crossed, wearing a pink shirt. Behind them is a wooden wall with green plants.

Acknowledging someone’s good intentions can be a powerful way to diffuse tension. This response strikes a balance between gratitude and boundary-setting. By recognizing their concern, you validate their feelings without necessarily agreeing with their advice. It’s a gentle reminder that while you appreciate their input, you’re capable of making your own decisions. This approach often leaves the advice-giver feeling heard and respected, even if you choose not to follow their suggestion.

2. “I’ll give that some thought.”

Two men are engaged in a discussion around an architectural model on a table. One man gestures with his hand while the other listens attentively. The setting appears to be a modern office with overhead lights.

This response is the Swiss Army knife of polite deflections. It’s non-committal yet respectful, buying you time and space without dismissing the other person outright. The beauty of this phrase lies in its versatility. Whether you genuinely intend to consider their advice or simply want to end the conversation, it works equally well. It also leaves the door open for future discussions if you decide the advice has merit, without obligating you to act on it immediately.

3. “I understand that has worked for you, but I think I’ll do things differently.”

A woman and a man sit at a table with teacups, a laptop, and a stack of pancakes topped with berries. They are engaged in conversation in a bright, modern kitchen. The woman gestures with her hands while the man listens attentively.

Sometimes, the most effective way to handle unsolicited advice is to acknowledge its validity for the giver while asserting your own path. This response does just that. It shows respect for their experience without conceding that it’s the right choice for you. By emphasizing your intention to do things differently, you’re politely but firmly closing the door on further discussion. It’s a tactful way of saying, “Thanks, but no thanks,” without dismissing their perspective entirely.

4. “That’s an interesting perspective.”

A man in a denim shirt is sitting at a desk in a modern office, talking on the phone and gesturing with his hand. A notebook and a tablet are in front of him, and a wooden desk lamp is on the side. Other people work in the background.

This phrase is a master of subtlety. On the surface, it appears to be a compliment, acknowledging the uniqueness of their viewpoint. However, it doesn’t commit you to agreeing with or acting on their advice. It’s a diplomatic way to receive information without endorsing it. The word “interesting” is particularly useful here – it can mean anything from “fascinating” to “bizarre,” depending on your tone. Use this response when you want to remain neutral and keep the conversation moving along smoothly.

5. “I’ll certainly reflect on that.”

A young man holding a coffee cup talks to an older man seated at a table in a bright kitchen. The young man has an animated expression, while the older man listens intently. There are kitchen utensils and plants in the background.

Reflection implies thoughtful consideration, which can be appealing to an advice-giver. This response suggests that you’re taking their input seriously, even if you have no intention of following through. It’s a polite way to end the conversation while maintaining your autonomy. The word “certainly” adds an extra layer of assurance, potentially satisfying the advice-giver’s need to be heard and valued. It’s a graceful exit strategy that leaves both parties feeling respected.

6. “I value your experience, but I’m comfortable with my approach.”

A woman with red hair is speaking and gesturing with her hands during a meeting. She is seated at a table with three colleagues, who are listening attentively. They are all wearing business casual attire and have papers in front of them.

This response is a masterclass in assertiveness. It starts by acknowledging the other person’s expertise, which can help soften the blow of rejection. The “but” serves as a clear pivot, signaling that despite their experience, you’re choosing a different path. By stating your comfort with your own approach, you’re politely yet firmly closing the door on further advice. It’s a confident response that asserts your right to make your own decisions while still showing respect for the other person’s input.

7. “I hear what you are saying, but I don’t agree.”

A man and a woman are sitting and having a serious conversation on a gray sofa. The man, wearing a white shirt and tie, is listening intently with his hand on his chin. The woman, wearing glasses and a striped shirt, is gesturing with her hand while speaking.

Direct and honest, this response leaves no room for misinterpretation. It acknowledges that you’ve listened to their advice, which is often all an advice-giver really wants. The straightforward disagreement that follows is refreshingly clear. While it might seem confrontational, when delivered calmly, it can actually prevent further attempts at persuasion. This approach works best in situations where you have a strong, well-considered position that differs from the advice being offered.

8. “I know you mean well, but I’ve got to stand on my own two feet.”

An elderly woman with gray hair and a younger woman with brown hair sit facing each other in a well-lit room. The elderly woman tenderly adjusts the younger woman's hair while they both smile. A beige armchair and modern decor are visible in the background.

This response combines warmth with assertiveness. By recognizing the good intentions behind the advice, you’re maintaining a positive connection. The second half of the statement is a gentle reminder of your independence and desire for self-reliance. It’s particularly effective with well-meaning friends or family members who may be prone to over-helping. This phrase communicates your need for autonomy while still expressing appreciation for their care and concern.

9. “I feel it’s best to try it my way first.”

A man and woman are sitting on a brown leather couch in a modern, bright room. The man with gray hair and beard is speaking and gesturing with his hands while the blonde woman listens attentively. They both appear to be having a serious conversation.

Here’s a response that leaves the door slightly ajar while still asserting your independence. By framing your decision as a “first” attempt, you’re implying that you’re open to other approaches if yours doesn’t work out. This can be reassuring to the advice-giver, as it suggests you’re not dismissing their input entirely. At the same time, it clearly communicates your intention to follow your own path. It’s a diplomatic way to maintain control over your decisions while keeping the relationship positive.

10. “I respect your opinion, but I’ve already made my decision.”

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a brown sweater, gestures with her hands while speaking to a person with short hair and a topknot, who is facing away from the camera. They are in a brightly lit room with a brick wall and window in the background.

This response is both respectful and firm. It acknowledges the value of their input while making it clear that the matter is settled. The use of past tense – “I’ve already made my decision” – indicates that the time for debate has passed. This can be particularly useful when dealing with persistent advice-givers who might otherwise try to argue their point. It’s a polite way of saying, “Thanks, but this discussion is over,” without coming across as rude or dismissive.

11. “I appreciate your willingness to help, but I’ve got this under control.”

Two men are sitting indoors and engaged in a serious conversation. One man, with a beard and earrings, is listening intently, while the other, with a tattoo on his neck, is speaking. A blurred laptop is in the foreground. The background features a window and furniture.

Ending on a note of confident self-assurance, this response is perfect for those moments when you need to assert your capability. It starts by acknowledging their good intentions, which helps to maintain a positive relationship. The second half of the statement is a clear message that their help, while appreciated, is not necessary. By stating that you have things “under control,” you’re projecting confidence in your own abilities and decision-making skills. It’s a graceful way to decline advice while boosting your own self-reliance.