“Sometimes it’s better to be kind than to be right. We do not need an intelligent mind that speaks, but a patient heart that listens.” — Gautama Buddha
Helping them see the other side. Listen to what they have to say. Even if the person always thinks they are right, they still deserve to be heard, just like you deserve to be heard. Listen to their point of view first, taking the time to hear what they are saying.
This question was put on social media, friends anticipated with comments. Most people choose to agree with them or walk away to avoid any fights.
Fian, "If you have already calculated your risks to be in your favor debate. If it happens not just to you alone but to others as well, you may wish to rally the others to have a heart to heart with the person concerned. The thing about some of such people is that they can be critical of point of view. If you can sell to the person convincingly, a point of view that is logical, compelling, and sensible, I am sure the person would be able to be bought over with the idea. But if that person is like Trump who is egotistical, I suggest, do not waste your breath. If you can cut the person loose, do it. But if he/she is your superior, start charting your exit strategy.”
Sally, "I’ll listen to them. What if they are right? I try to listen to understand why they think so and where they are coming from rather than taking their "conclusion" at face value. I'll try not to let my ego irritate me.”
Ullag, “It depends on who this person is and what kind of relationship you won't maintain. You then must adopt the most appropriate interpersonal relationship, based on the specific outcome of an interaction. Be humble and assertive!”
Michael, "Oh how many times…..how many times….What I have learned from painful experiences, sometimes it is worth it to lose a debate and keep a friend, sometimes it’s worth it to lose a debate and save some saliva. There is something in the human psyche called, belief perseverance, it is the inability to accept facts, even if they are presented with evidence. They just can’t accept it. It will crash their whole belief system. It’s like Jenga, and so they will still argue and insist that they are right, so that “that block” in their Jenga belief system stays intact. Example from history, the earth is round, an example from current time, the coronavirus started in China, I can go on and on but you guys get the picture.”
Christopher, “I would nod and use these 2 words ‘that’s right’ (and period, I will smile and say nothing more). This does not mean that I am agreeing nor disagreeing with their point of view(s) or perspective(s). I am merely acknowledging that they have the right to their point of view and perspectives.”
Judy, “It takes 2 to clap. What leads this person to behave this way? Sometimes we need to self-reflect before we "think" is their fault. Put ourselves in their shoes. Improve interpersonal skills. Breathe and keep calm.”
Tharanga, “Agree to disagree. And simply do not participate anymore. Smile nods get busy with something else. It’s pointless arguing with such people. They’ll only take your energy.”
Ryan, “Respect their perspective. No one likes to be wrong. Convey your version with compassion and empathy without judgment. Truth is, No one can be right about the truth because there are always different perspectives.”
Uginia, “Silent sometimes is the best Remedy. And it does not bother me too much, I will let the Mr. Right or Mrs. Right to do whatever they think is right. Most importantly, we need to manage our emotional feeling, once you think that it does not bother you, you will be much happier. Let them trial and error. They have to bear with their action done.”
How can you handle this situation without losing your temper, but still maintain your position?
Therapist Karyl McBride, Ph.D. shared [1] that “People who always need to right tend to have fragile egos,” she says. When they feel as if their self-image has been threatened, they want to make themselves look bigger or smarter, so they blame others. It is a coping mechanism to deal with insecurity, she explains.
Returning to the question of handling people who always think they are right and have no problems telling you so, the Fairleigh Dickson [2] study results suggest that their low emotional intelligence could relate at least in part to one or another form of personality disorder. Therefore, getting involved in endless arguments with them is likely to prove frustrating, decide just to stay away from that person completely.
[1] Men’s Health, by Markham Heid, Feb 18, 2016, Why Some People Always Need to Be Right | Men's Health
[2] Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D., Psychology Today, 5 Ways to Handle People Who Always Think They’re Right | Psychology Today
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