(“How does my horse look?”)

“Do you think I’m riding better?”

Questions of this ilk have been posed by one barn mate to another for (ever).

Unless you ride with your head in a bag, Naked Before the World is par for the course in riding. Most observers usually have the good grace not to evaluate your success or failure out loud unless asked. But (you think) you know what they are thinking, don’t you?

But should you ask? You know you should. Exposing your ego to truths that not everyone is strong enough to hear often leads to meaningful change. It’s also a way to ensure a slide into the depths of depression. (Sorry!) “If it isn’t positive, don’t tell me” isn’t an option when you ask someone for an honest response.

Bear in mind that depending on whom you ask, their opinion may be worth less than nothing. In which case why did you ask them other than for a meaningless affirmation? It’s up to YOU to decide whom you should ask!

Before you ask such a question, look in the mirror and decide if you really want to know the answer. If the response isn’t what you were hoping to hear, what happens next? If you’re on the receiving end of the query, you must also determine: “Does she really want my honest opinion, and what will be the consequences if she is unhappy with my answer?”

They seem like such innocuous questions. But not unlike “Dear, do you think this dress makes me look fat?” you open yourself to implied criticism. Unless you’re willing to diet, (Have I told you about the Chet Atkins Diet?*) maybe you shouldn’t ask after all.
*You only pick at your food.