If you always need to be right – you’ll be lonely
The exhausting art of always being right
There’s a certain kind of person who will die on every hill.
Not because that particular hill is important in itself.
But because they’re up there now, looking down at us … and climbing down again would mean admitting something horrible:
“Maybe I was wrong.”
Well, maybe.
These people have a certain way of arguing.
They quote articles no one asked for and no one really can find again.
They correct someone’s choice of words mid-conversation.
They say things like “technically…” in social settings.
They don’t listen to understand – they listen to reload and then drown us with more of the same.
And they often win.
Arguments, that is. Because sometimes they’re right.
What they lose is less obvious: connection. And the relationship.
Because here’s the thing — being right isn’t that hard.
Being likable while being right? Now, that’s the tricky part.
Quick tip
People don’t remember your facts.
They remember how you made them feel when you “pull their pants down”.
And nobody feels good losing an argument you didn’t need to start.
A colourful moment
After a talk, a man told me his friend fact-checked their restaurant conversation — mid-meal.
He said, “I was right!”
His date said, “Check please.”
Very correct.
Very alone.
Very avoidable.
See you next Wednesday.
//Thomas
The red profile
The dominant
Read more about Red personsThe yellow profile
The influential
Read more about Yellow personsThe green profile
The stable one
Read more about Green personsThe blue profile
The compliant
Read more about Blue personsThe spotlight effect: no one’s looking at you (relax)
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The Surrounded by Idiots Brief
Every Wednesday, the latest issue is sent to you. Each message includes an aha-moment and possibly an oh no-moment about human interaction, and one example of behaviour for you to reflect upon.
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