How to deal with someone who constantly contradicts what you say?

Question

This person is not nasty or anything but annoys me. Is it a power thing? Being passive-aggressive? How would you deal with this?

Answer 1

In many cases when people do this, it's because they feel insecure, and being "right" helps them to feel better. You can simply let them win, assuming that whatever they're saying doesn't matter that much. You can say something like, "That's an interesting idea."

Answer 2

I know the play. I have been on the giving AND receiving end. It's very irritating. But no matter how much it irritates me, I must reference my own behavior and reasons for doing it, when I do. I usually do it when I sense someone is being too pat or smug or thinks they have it all figured out and if you disagree "well duhhh". I want to throw some flak into their neatly ordered sense of the way things have always been and will always be. One time I find myself doing it a lot is at work when a co-worker starts to display boss behavior. I want to back them off a notch or two. it works a lot of times. They come in with "We're going to do this today." --And I hit them with "But this is wrong. Wrong specs. I can't start until you have the specs." --and so on. That's the simplest example. But when debating loftier issues, the same principle applies: contradict as a way to challenge.

I have given up on people who were friends, but too contradictory, by the way. I feel your pain.

Answer 3

I'm going through this right now with a family member and it is one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had. I think it's part hard-headedness and the unwillingness to listen and see the other point of view.

Answer 4

I know a guy like that. I think it is a power thing. He tries to make himself look smarter than me. I don't think that way so I don't do it back to him - the end result is I just don't talk to the guy much anymore because there is no point.

Answer 5

as soon as they disagree with you , interrupt and ask them to explain themselves. usually these ppl just argue for arguments sake. when they start talking pay attention and blow holes in their argument. after awile they'll see they cant win when they dont have solid reasons for their point of view.

if it's matter of them actually doing something that you asked them not to, then screw 'em. theyre pry just trying to get a rise outta you, which is obviously working.

Answer 6

Say to this person......"do you know you have a bad habit of contradicting whatever I say? Are you aware of that? It's very irritating..........don't do it"

Answer 7

its power thing and u need to fight back...dont let somebody belittle u.