If a person told u that you're X but you're actually Z, do u correct them?

Question

I'm interested to know if you would correct a person if they tell you (to your face and in front of other people) something that you either know as a FACT isn't true or in your OPINION isn't true, about yourself.

(1) Say your boss says that you're perfectionist but you know that actually you don't care that much...
(2) Or you meet someone and they start telling you a long story about French names when you tell them yours, but actually your name is Italian...
What would you do?

Answer 1

As for the boss, turn it to your advantage. You could say (with a smile) something like, "oh come now...I'm not a perfectionist....I'm just very meticulous and take pride in what I do!" Might not be *totally* accurate, but when it comes to an employer, you always want to have your best face forward.

As for the French name story, I would gently correct them with something like "my name might sound French, but it's actually Italian, aren't the origins of names interesting? For instance, mine means....blah blah blah."

I think when people get things wrong, you just have to pick your battles. If it's something personal, politely correct them in a way that keeps the conversation going, but isn't embarrassing. I had a boyfriend who would just say "you're wrong!" to everyone, and it was annoying and uncomfortable, to say the least. On the other hand, I think people who say nothing are sometimes being way too passive, especially if it's an issue that bugs them. I know I'd rather be nicely corrected so I don't make the same mistakes in the future...I'd rather know what people actually think of what I'm saying than for them to smile and nod, and then complain about it to other people behind my back.

Answer 2

You should know when to pick your battles. Ask yourself if it's really important to correct the person? If it's something minor, I usually let it go. If I were to argue over something very minor, it would say something uncomplimentary about my character. If, however, it was a major mistake on someone elses part that reflected poorly on me or my ability to do my job, I would have to speak up. Basically, it's not a bad thing that your boss thinks you are a perfectionist and let the person speak long and knowledgably on French names if it makes him feel smart, at the end just comment "That's very interesting, my name is Italian what do you know about that subject?"

Answer 3

I don't think either one of them examples merit correction, they are not really something that is going to change who you are as a person. If someone were to say that you were say, evil, that would be something to correct. I think it goes along the lines of "Chose your battles". Not everything has to be corrected, only if you feel strongly about something should you correct. You don't always have to be right and who cares if someones boss thinks they're a perfectionist, maybe they are at work and that's the impression the boss gets.

Answer 4

I think it depends on the situation I am in and who I am with.

In the case of (1) I would not correct my boss in front of others, but may well say something later in a one-to-one meeting.
In the case of (2) I would probably correct them if it wasn't going to cause the other person embarrassment.

Answer 5

Sorry, but my answer/s depend upon the circumstances and maybe the people involved.

In a local branch of a network of local convenience stores, I recently corrected the 'Kid' behind the counter who seemed to insist on calling me 'Mate.'

I called him a 'kid,' which he wasn't happy with, so I pointed out that I wasn't happy with 'Mate' ~ particularly as I was in NO sense his 'Mate!' In fact, we in had never been formally introduced to each other. So I resented the familiarity he demonstrated.

I'm not the flavour of the month there.

Sash.

Answer 6

I would correct them about both but maybe in a joking way so as not to offend, unless of course i didnt like them then i would just tell them straight, no holes barred hahaha

Answer 7

1) I wouldn't say anything... It is your boss... better do not correct him!!!

2) If a random person says me what a beatiful french name I would say "sorry it is Italian..." without being rude... come on it is their mistake!!!

Answer 8

Learn to correct people now before you become comfortable with the idea of being subservient to others ideas and opinions.

Answer 9

It depends, if the alteration/misunderstanding is obviously attached with some unnecessary bad reputation, then better clean your name as early as possible. However, some misunderstanding might bring some advantages for ourselves, who knows? ;p

Answer 10

I would correct them, yes. In fact I would even do it in a job interview - it's just something I can't control doing!