How do you deal with spoiled people who believe they are better than everyone else?

Question

And it's my cousin, so it's not like I can just avoid him at family gatherings.

Answer 1

People who think they know it all are really annoying to those of us that do.
With that in mind, Buy him a tee shirt with " Know it All" written on the front. If he doesn't want it, then you wear it in good health.
I have a tee that reads: "Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?" People read it. If I see them , I say, "It's a Joke." and
then, I smile. They smile back. You can have fun and rattle someone's cage at the same time. A two-for.
I'm a trouble maker. Always was.

Answer 2

You could do a paradox with him--that's tell the truth, but deny that the person would EVER do such a thing like that. E.g., When they pull something outrageous, you can say calmly, "You know when you do something like that, it seems like you believe you are better than everyone else! But I KNOW you'd never do things like that! You're a better person than that!" When you phrase it that way, the other person gets defensive, a little mad, and starts denying it. You could say something like, "Of COURSE you wouldn't, it just sounds like that's what you're saying!" And smile....It usually works like a charm! They don't act that way around people who they are trying to suck up to--just those that they see have no power/influence over them. They'll pull it again, then you can say, "See! That's what I mean--it comes off like you're superior than I am. And we've known each other a long time..." Whatever fits the situation. I don't mean to make this super long, but a personal example was when I had worked at a place for 10 yrs. I knew that the center was trying to save money, and even though all my yearly evaluations were good, my weekly mtg with my supervisor began being just awful! Pressure pressure!! I loved my work and I didn't want to leave--finally it dawned on me that many older workers were quitting! Then, of course, new people with no experience were hired and the center saved a bundle of money in salary, retirement fund, vacation and sick leave!! The next meeting, I said, "You know, the Education system had a time-honored tradition with older teachers. They cost the system more money, retirement, etc., and since the system was always scratching for money, they would start piling on work on an older teacher; requiring more work; more paper work, etc., until they couldn't stand the pressure any longer, and would quit. A new unexperienced teacher would take her place and the school system saved some money. But, of course, that ISN'T TRUE HERE! This is a mental health agency and the tools and techniques developed for building health, would NEVER be used to tear someone down!!" He got red in the face--stuttered, "Of COURSE NOT!!" The mtg was terminated early and I NEVER HEARD ANOTHER WORD AOUBT ANY OF THAT!!! I worked for another 5 yrs and found a better job on my timeline.

Answer 3

Oh I can so feel your pain. I have a couple of these people in my family too. Personally, I have learned to ignore them and occasionally nod and smile when they talk about all there things and how fricken great they are. lol.

He's your cousin so I guess you could be honest with him and tell him he's an ***. lol. Just kidding --- you could just be like man you are .....blah blah blah...

And chances are even if you do tell him, he won't change anyway. They never really do.

Answer 4

You know, people who think that they're better than everyone else are really annoying to those of us who are.

Seriously though, just wait around, if your cousin has a shred of decency, he/she'll come around eventually.

Answer 5

I know this is hard but... just smile and act like you are not really interested !! Let him no that you dont think he is that special...

For ex he says I got an ipod nano!!
you say that is nice but everybody has one!

Dont sound interested!!

Answer 6

listen quietly and nod your head. since you have to be there anyway. ask questions so he can brag even more. but be respectful. just listen.