People are always "teaching" me things that I am certain, from education and personal experience, aren't true at all. They say it's "known facts," and "common knowledge." Yeah, sure, and it's "common knowledge" and a "known fact" that there are white aligators in the NY sewers! I don't want to just say, "No, I learned that the opposite is true from ten different professors," but I don't want to just be treated like an idiot either. Note I'm talking about REAL facts, not opinions. We're practically talkin' 2+3=7 here!
2007-02-27 08:15:56 · 11 answers · asked by Emily H 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sometimes I just smile and nod. Other times I raise questions that encourage them to think more about their "known facts". Foe example:
Them:"It's a known fact that 2+3=7"
You: "Really? Are you sure about that?"
Them: "Absolutely. It's a known fact"
You: "Well I always thought that 2+3 was the same as 3+2. At least, that's what I learned in 2nd grade." You get the drift. Just force them to prove their position.
2007-02-27 08:35:40 · answer #1 · answered by babydoll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on how much it matters to you to be right. If you aren't ever going to see the person again, you might think it's not worth the effort of educating them. Also consider how smart they are-- if they aren't, they will continue to insist they are right even if they know you are. For instance, once an engineer I worked with (smart, right?) brought in a cake from Vons and said his mom made it. We all told him that it was from Vons, and he continued to insist it was homemade, even when presented with contrary evidence. However, it made for some good retelling later.
Or you can say something like, "You can believe whatever you want. Look it up yourself." Or volunteer to look it up so you can see who's right (my husband and I do this). You can also point out when something you predicted turns out correct. But I bet most of the time, it doesn't matter that much. And most of the time, people are too proud/dumb/stubborn to admit they're wrong.
2007-02-27 16:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by shrinkydinkheart 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your proposed reply is just fine.
Another possibility is, "When I had a class on this subject last year, they taught us that . . . "
By the way, the "alligators in the sewers" thing falls under the category of urban myths. You can direct people to sites like www.snopes.com and say, "Isn't that funny, I fell for that one too until I read the truth about it!!"
Good luck!
2007-02-27 16:23:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can often send them to a website supporting your facts. Or ask them to come up with any proof for their facts; if you think it sounds better, you can even put it like this: 'Oh, interesting, I'd like to read more about that, could you send me a link?' Then when they go look for it they'll come up blank or even find the correct information....
2007-02-27 17:34:27 · answer #4 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on why they are telling you this. Perhaps the person is insecure and wants to make an impression on you. In this case, it would be kind to simply not mention it.
2007-03-01 16:38:44 · answer #5 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The trick is to spend less time with these people so that they have lesser chances of "teaching" you stuffs. Eliminate such ppl from your social contacts.
2007-02-28 03:00:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stand your side and tell them what you know and state your sources so that the other person can search it and see that the facts that you know aren't bull.
2007-02-27 16:27:56 · answer #7 · answered by lanisoderberg69 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's all in the approach. Ask them to back up their opinions.
2007-02-27 16:37:20 · answer #8 · answered by ropemancometh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smile and then stick tongue out (also roll if possible).
2007-02-27 16:24:49 · answer #9 · answered by Mighty C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them that they are fing idioits
2007-02-27 16:23:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋