Falling on Deaf Ears.

Copyright © Mark R Kelly 2026

Ever had one of those head-banging moments, when someone you know, who is quite clearly in need of help/assistance/guidance - or all of the above - and you are clearly the best person to do this for them; and yet they will not listen?

I experienced that very recently, and this individual is trying so hard to get to the pinnacle of their mountain, but are still bimbling around at basecamp. And they can't see it. To me, however, it's as clear as day. Screamingly so. I might as well set my arse on fire and wiggle it in front of them for all the good it does, such is the exasperating deafness of the ears to which I've tried to speak.

I got to a point where every option, every tactic with which to offer them help was stonewalled, to such an effect I might as well been whispering in a hurricane.

It's not as if I'm a total dipstick when it comes to communicating with people. Hell, it's the main thrust of my profession. But this individual just seems hellbent on sticking to their own path, even though from where I'm standing, will only garner the same, very limited, almost non-existent results.

Saddening as it is to witness, I've resigned myself to being unable to help bring about a positive change for them. Stubbornness is admirable when applied to a principle with merit, but when applied to resistance to change or adaptation that benefits the individual, they might as well be jumping off a pier with a ball and chain around their ankle.

Such a waste.

Maybe it's me - perhaps I'm not one who inspires confidence with the advice I offer? Difficult to tell. Now it's up to fate to take its course, which in this instance is a shitty thing to do, just like free-wheeling down hill in your car and taking your hands off the steering wheel.

I'm just irritatingly frustrated to the max. I can't help it. That's how I am, unfortunately. When you see the potential and promise in someone and it could be amazing, but they have yet to tune into it - to see them throw it away is hard to watch. Very hard. Moreso when, for some inexplicable reason, they take advice from total incompetents.

Teeth grindingly frustrating. But that's the way of the world, as it stands. 

If this is something you're familiar with, or are currently dealing with, you have my utmost sympathy. Best to walk away, before you lose your sanity. Honestly.

Knowing when to walk away isn’t giving up on the individual, nor is it admitting defeat—it’s a means of self-preservation for you both. If you value the individual and the relationship you share, forcing the issue could cost you dearly. Accept what you know, accept who they are, and be ready for when they reach out in the long run.

I now leave you with Dire Straits - "Why Worry".