There are times you want advice for the problems that are practically plaguing you, but you feel like you don't have anyone to turn to. Is that the case for you? Maybe you don't even need any advice, you just need someone to listen to your problems without feeling judged. Listen up, readers, because I'm going to tell you about some great websites you can visit to get things off your chests and feel great about it, without even spending a single dime. If you want to give advice, these websites are also fantastic for this purpose.
1. 7 Cups
Short-form for 7 Cups of Tea, which is in turn based on a poem by ancient Chinese poet Lu Tong, 7 Cups is one of the biggest and most popular websites for not only finding a trained listener to hear you out on whatever is on your mind but also for people who want to lend a helpful ear to guests and members of all ages and all walks of life. I use this website pretty often when I just need to vent to someone or want to discuss something without anyone thinking I'm crazy. The website features one-on-one support and group support for everybody's individual needs, and there's even a number of topics for each specific need, such as depression, anxiety, stress management, family problems, and more.
Guess what else? I'm also a listener! Yes, it is possible to be both a listener and a member of 7 Cups...even the best of us needs someone to help us out sometimes!
2. Advicenators
Advicenators is another lovely website for free advice. Active since 2003, guests can stop by and submit a question about whatever they want to know about (this does require signing up for an account which is completely free). Or if you have a favorite columnist with the website, you can search for them and ask them your questions directly without making an account. Like 7 Cups, Advicenators has a myriad of categories to choose from, including a Miscellaneous category that branches out into seven subcategories, including "Random Weirdos." Think your question might have been answered already? The multi-featured search engine sits pretty in the front page menu for your convenience. Save this site in your bookmarks folder!
3. Elder Wisdom Circle
Rounding out this list of free advice websites is Elder Wisdom Circle. The key feature that makes this site unique is the fact that elderly people are the ones offering advice to visitors. Why? It's been said and known that our elders are some of the wisest people we know. They've lived through all those life stages, done all the things you're probably inquiring about, and know what you're going through. You write out a letter stating your question or issue and submit it to the website for an Elder to review and respond within a few days! Like Advicenators, every answer is personal and tailored to each user, so you can be sure you aren't getting a robotic auto-response. Truthfully, I just discovered this website as I was typing up this article so I haven't used it yet. But it's worth giving a shot if you want an older person's perspective.
Seeking advice doesn't have to cost you. Take note of these handy resources for yourself and everyone you know and love. If you just love helping others for the heck of it without expecting compensation, these websites will be perfect for you!
P.S. If you are in any way seeking immediate help for suicidal thoughts, please don't hesitate to call 1-800-273-8255.
