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Thinking back, I see now that there was a brief moment when I had a choice as to how I would react to the situation that led to this blog entry. I could have just as easily chosen resignation, or amusement, or even sadness. So the obvious question is why did I choose a destructive emotion? Why did I take on a know-it-all attitude that sees my position as null and void? I suppose that on some deep, unconscious level I must be hard-wired to believe that anger is the appropriate response. Which leads to the next obvious question: how do I undo this negative mental process that appears to be woven into the soul of me?
Perhaps I could give my anger away. I know it sounds silly, but maybe silly is what is called for. Perhaps I should have buried my anger in her backyard and blame it on the dogs when no grass grows on that spot. She’ll believe me because listening to humans is COMPLETELY unfamiliar to her. Since she knows EVERYTHING about ANYTHING, and since she won’t question the dog, wouldn’t that just prove to her that she is right about that spot in her yard?
I often wonder if she ever gets tired of trying to be ‘right’ all the time. Why does she have a need to make people around her the audience she needs to make herself the center of attention? I get that attention and respect are the two things we all long for but...What do you do when you are around someone that comes off as a know-it-all?
Many of the "know-it-alls" I’ve come across tend to use “knowing-it-all" as a cerebral defense or avoidance of meaningful interpersonal relationships for whatever reason; i.e. lack of appropriate social skills, low-self-confidence, etc.
ReplyDeleteIf you are inclined to try and have some type of friendly interaction with the misguided “know-it-all”, try steering the conversation away from facts onto feelings or opinions. Ask him/her what they like best or what they like about it (whatever it is), or how do they feel about it. If that doesn’t work after a few attempts, know at least you tried.
Engaging a "know-it-all" in a battle of facts is a no win situation that typically reinforces their anti-social behavior and leaves you right back where you started.
MARK: THANKS FOR VISITING MY LITTLE SPOT. YOU HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD & I MADE THE DECISION TO NOT GO THERE WITH ANY KNOW-IT-ALLS!
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