Being someone’s compass doesn’t mean walking their trip for them. Point, then let them walk.

Helping somebody is not the same as living their life for them. A compass gives a direction and then stays in your hand while you do the walking, and the walking is where the learning happens. When you take over for a friend, you solve today and remove the part that would have made them capable tomorrow. The temptation is strongest when you can see the answer clearly.

With the friend who keeps asking you to fix things, offer the direction and stop there this week. Say what you would try, then let them choose, including a choice you would not make.