What to do if they have a really over bearing personality. They are the type of person who pounds their fist and says "no that's wrong." They put on airs make quotes(only you have to explain to them that is not what that information means) these type of people like to say 'duh' at the end of their statements as if that makes it a FACT. Likewise, they like 'pop phases/ slogans/adages/axioms' as a resposne. What do you do when confronted with a person who you know is incorrect, yet they insist on mocking you?
I try to correct them subtlely by saying "yeah its like you said," then repeat what they have said, but with the added corrections. Only they don't get it.
Also, I have tried to ignore them, but oddly enough these folks are the most vocal!
2007-03-21 12:41:19 · 11 answers · asked by michael H 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You have to fight. This is what leads to wars.
2007-03-21 12:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know exactly the kind of person you mean. My dear wife fits the exact mold you express. The problem is that they have taken a stance similar to a religious belief. And, as the adage goes, never argue politics or religion because you cannot convince nor can you be convinced.
This is what I do when this happens... When I make a statement and she "corrects" me, I express the information that caused me to make the statement in the first place. She will then begin to argue that I mis-understood the information or that the information itself was wrong. When I then back up the information with other facts that support my point, she will then state that she heard the opposite from another source.
At this point, I accept it as a lost cause. No matter what happens, I'm in a no-win situation. Even if I can prove her wrong and "win" the argument, I know what a dog house feels like and I try to stay out of 'em. So, submission is the better part of valor and I say something convincingly like "I never thought of that... by jove, you have a point!" (Please note that I did not say that she was right. Always leave yourself a little room to escape in case your friends come back and tell you that you have been quoted as supporting her original position.) If you're lucky, she will accept your defeat and the subject will be changed. If she continues to twist the knife, a sweet "Honey, I didn't have the information you did and so I can't argue one way or the other" will usually lead to a peaceful nights sleep.
2007-03-21 20:28:37 · answer #2 · answered by shaboom2k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them what you think and when they get really worked up, I mean REALLY worked up just start laughing and pointing at them, even if they look at you like your stupid, keep laughing like they told you the funniest joke you have ever heard, not like a fake laugh, but a real "I can't believe you just said that" laugh. Most likely the other people around will start laughing too. That person will be very pissed and embarrassed, and they will know that when ever you're around, you'll do it again and that type of person hates that kind of attention. Do it. Its fun and kind of manipulative in a way. Good luck. It really is fun, I'm not kidding.
2007-03-21 20:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by bluebelldown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The next time you are going to be around this person, really do your homework and have things marked where you can easily access them as reference. Start a conversation about whatever topic you've researched, then let them go. When the time is right, pull out your notes or "evidence" and prove to them that you are right and they are wrong. It sounds like you've done everything else possible. Good luck.
2007-03-21 21:31:20 · answer #4 · answered by vanhammer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL, have you talked with my parents by any chance?;-) They are this way - it's their way or no way.
They're also convinced, that modern technical stuff (think internet, cellphone, CDs(!) and DVDs, generally multimedia stuff) is pure decadency and don't get, that this is just a part of living in the 21st century.
They told me, that I don't need internet at all, find it stupid, that DD gets computer-classes at school and so on. I've tried to explain them the advantages of internet multible times, but oh well...;-)
2007-03-22 06:39:19 · answer #5 · answered by Chevrolet*Blazer*Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the results don't influence my life: I get behind them 100% and watch it fail, then giggle behind their back.
When the results influence my life a little, I'll argue my point and move on without their approval and get it done.
When the results will ruin my life I will force them to scream until they have no more energy left and then they submit.
2007-03-21 20:10:51 · answer #6 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Limit the time that you talk to these people or don't talk to them at all. It's just too exhausting and can be emotionally draining for you. So, do yourself a favor and create some space between yourself and such individuals. You'll be glad you did!
2007-03-21 19:47:51 · answer #7 · answered by Cherish 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are losers in a battle of wits. However, who is the bigger fool? the fool who doesn't know better or the fool who argues with him? My stock answer is the cliche "let's agree to disagree" and refuse to discuss the issue anymore.
2007-03-21 19:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Taffy Saltwater 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I like to do is look at them like I'm completely disgusted and /or shocked and say "so what your saying is ......and try to spin it to show that it doesn't make sense. Usually the look will at least make them think about what they're going to say next.
2007-03-21 19:51:35 · answer #9 · answered by CHRISTINE S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not much you can do, until they decide to listen.
2007-03-21 20:32:10 · answer #10 · answered by bcnd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋