What's the best way to deal with a "know it all" person?

Question

I'm a modest person and I know lots of things but usually I don't say anything when a "know it all" person tries to talk all over me. I just let the person talk. Recently I was talking about Harriet Tubman because I love her spirit and I said that I once read where Harriet Tubman told people that she was Ashanti because both her parents were born in Africa and this woman that I know yelled out, "I've never read that! That can't be true because I've never read that!" I simply stopped talking and looked at her. This same "know it all" person butts into everyone's conversation. In my book I mentioned that the African women wore beads on their hair and this know it all person said, "Where did they get the beads? They didn't have beads in Africa!" Again, I just looked at her.

Answer 1

I think you're handling it pretty well. Ignore her and let her have at her ranting. She's making an idiot of herself. People who are insecure or who have low self-esteem sometimes compensate by being an "expert" at everything. She probably doesn't even realize she's doing it.

Alternatively, you could tell her you're tired of listening to her yap as though she's an expert on everything under the sun and constantly correcting everyone, but I daresay that might not go over well ;)

Answer 2

First off, someone who says one thing and does another does not sound wishy washy to me, they sound passive agressive. Wishy washy to me is someone who has trouble making up their mind what to do. My Dad was like that and Sweetie can be that way too until I convince him to share what he really wants to do. In my head I am one of the peanuts gang yelling, "Charlie Brown!!!" :)

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I think that's a good reaction to just look at her. I've learned that it's not worth it to argue or prove anything. People like that are so insecure that they have to "act" like they know it all because deep down they know that they aren't that smart. They have to keep proving it to everybody and to themselves. I don't know what relation you have to the person. I know being the youngest in my family, I get told that I don't know how to do something a lot. It's annoying when it's a school classmate too. They also sense that you know a lot when you are able to give historic details like that. They probably wish they could do that too. Just feel confident and continue speaking. Others in the group may start to see how annoying she is and will want side with you.

Answer 5

I am not sure, however ignoring her is one way. I think she appears rude, someone could speak to her about the way she presents herself. You will not change her, nor will anyone else. It may give her the feeling of importance, it seems she must be right about everything, but that of course is not possible. Let her be send her good vibes, someone or you could speak to her, not in a rude manner, let her know she is rude. I do nor know how i would handle the situation. I no doubt would talk with her.

Answer 6

Well, you can grin and bear it, knowing that you are right and this person isn't.
If this person is constantly acting like this, you could say something like, "Well, I read about it in (whatever the book is). I would love to lend you my copy if you'd like to borrow it." Maybe if you are really annoyed you could try talking to her one on one. Let her know that you value her opinions, but don't appreciate being interupted in conversations. It could be that she doesn't realize that she nterjects and makes comments that could aggravate someone or hurt their feelings.

Answer 7

The flip side may be -- she believes or percieves you to be a "know it all" and when you are around you challenge her sense of superiority and confidence, and at other times she is probably secure in her knowledge and with herself.

This happened to me in the 6th grade for the first time, and I realized that this other person was attempting to "hold on" to her place on her own radar -- fortunately our teacher made us work on a project together -- and somehow we both made valuable contributions and I don't remember exactly how but the tension between us was gone and we finished the school year without killing each other.

If it's bothering you and important enough to mention here, maybe instead of just giving her that "you are annoying me" look, invite her to share her knowledge, even f you don't agree with her, just let her contribute -- she'll probably stop feeling the need to "prove her self" -- maybe :)

Answer 8

she's not a *know it all*... she's ignorant.
You're doing the right thing. Giving her *the look* and ignoring the comments is the best thing to do. Everyone else can see that this person is ignorant too.

Answer 9

Give her the address to YA! so she can get it out of her system online and leave you alone.

BTW, is she stupid?? Beads were used in more primative times as money. Why wouldn't they also wear them around their necks and arms AND in their hair. She's goofy.

Answer 10

Actually, shewas wrong on both parts. African women are making beaded jewelry that they are selling to American and other countries...(I saw it on Oprah, so you know its true!)..and Harriet Tubman did make a claim to Ashantism. Maybe the know it all just didnt read the right books.

Answer 11

You just described my aunt. Continue to ignore them. Proving them wrong or argueing with them will just cause more problems. Oh Africans did have beads... I read it in this book in English class. I know she is annoying but you will learn how to turn your ear off to her. I have become an expert to doing that to my aunt.