A lot of the time people become mad when you tell them the truth because the truth can hurt and even though deep down they want to believe that your advice holds some merit they may feel ashamed, afraid, and in denial about whatever issues they are having. Some of the people I work with have a hard time hearing all the cold hard facts when you lay everything out in the open and address all their problems in a head on manner. It may be hard for them to cope with what you are saying and even harder for them to change. It doesn’t mean that all their anger is directed at you but just at you bringing all their issues to the table and telling them something that they may not want to hear although it is for their own benefit.  I would suggest if you know your friends will become angry at you for your suggestions and it could potentially ruin the friendship then maybe you can withhold your advice and let them learn for themselves. If they are serious about wanting to fix whatever issues they are having eventually they will turn things around for themselves when they hit rock bottom or they will continue down a destructive path until more severe intervention is needed. If you know that your advice will not end an important friendship and your friends ask for help then you can give your honest opinion, friends should be there for each other but it will not help them if you sugar coat everything and tell them what they want to hear. In the end you could be blamed for not being there for them and helping. Your best bet is to consider the ramifications of your advice based on the personality of your friend and then determine if your advice will be beneficial or a waste of time.

Good luck.

You are very welcome Karen.