text: Asking for opinions from friends and family makes them involved in your life in an important way. Asking your mother for advice on what house to buy for your family makes her a helpful and significant part of your life, but she wouldn't be making the decision for you. You do not want people controlling all of your life choices, but you do want people you trust to give you their opinions. For example, you would not make a big decision like, take a job offer without your wife's input. If your family and friends are important to you then you need to get their opinion.