[[Smart people don’t need advice.]]
I don’t agree. Smart people know when and whom to ask for advice, “input” or “feedback.” I can’t imagine anyone never needing those.
…and I’ll say it again. From a lapel button I bought at the car detailing place:
“It does no good to complain, because half of the people don’t care about your problems, and the other half are glad you have them.”
And while that may be a harsh and sweeping generalization, I have done my best to be safe and live by it anyway.
Sorry it’s not ranty, but that’s my contribution to the topic.
I hate it when people pretend to want your advice when really what they want is for you to agree with the (usually harebrained) plan they are already bound and determined to carry out. This happens to me all the time. I wish people would just go ahead and do whatever stupid thing they have decided to do without bothering me about it and pretending like they value my opinion.
Ayesha, well… er… man-oh-man. I sooo don’t envy you. One one hand, they drive you freakin gnuts, on the other hand, they are family. 
A good portion of my family make me want to shave my head and change my name too, but at least they don’t call me much.
Rock-n-Rolga, I don’t think that’s so much ‘harsh and sweeping’ as it is sad. But I know what you mean. When people ask me how I’m doing, I reply “Can’t complain… no-one will listen.”
Lamia, I think that is what happened in at least one of the 2 cases which spurred the birth of this thread- I’d have to go back and read the whole thread to verify if the second falls under this category. Reading it again would probably piss me off, so I’m not going to bother. And yes, it bugs the piss out of me too.
JillGat, good point. Very good point. Although at the end, were you talking about are you imagining (or not) needing more smart people or "input or feedback"s?
lawoot, forevermore, when someone asks me for advice, or I give it freely, I will suffix my input with “Feel free to ignore this advice. I won’t mind,” to remind myself not to feel insulted when it happens. Thanks.
On subjects which I have limited experience, I always remark that I don’t have an answer for them. But I also add that following my “gut feeling” has been my saviour more than once. Listen to that little voice, that’s why it’s there.
On the other hand, if that little voice is coming from your dog, or being beamed to you by aliens or the CIA, get thee to a psychiatrist!
As for techical advice, listen to the experts.