How to argue with someone who thinks they are always right

[Randomguy]

http://www.wikihow.com/Argue-With-Someone-Who-Thinks-They-Are-Always-Right

Method 1 of 4: Staying level-headed

1. 
   1
   Keep calm. Getting angry and escalating an argument will not benefit either one of you. You might even end up saying something you'll seriously regret.
    
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2. 
   2
   Consider the subject you are arguing about. Is it even worth arguing about? If you're debating something like the best kinds of pizza toppings, it is probably best to just let it go.

   • Do you even know the basics of the topic? If not, there is no point even having an argument.
    
3. 
   3
   Express only what you actually know. Unless the topic is one in which you have adequate and good knowledge, straying from the facts will both unsettle staying calm and will leave you open to a sucker punch. Realize that if any one of your statements is shown to be inaccurate, it devalues everything you've said to that point and beyond. To maintain a valid discussion and stay calm, stick to the facts.
    
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Method 2 of 4: The other person

1. 
   1
   Consider your relationship to the person. Different relationships will often dictate how the situation should be handled.

   • If the person is a close friend, family member or spouse, be honest with them. Tell them you find it difficult to have a conversation when they insist on always being right. They may not even have realized what they were doing. If it happens again, gently bring it to their attention.
   • If the person is a coworker — or even worse, your boss — approach the situation more carefully. In a friendly but assertive manner, explain to them that you feel like they are not respectfully validating your own thoughts and ideas. Point out that you value their opinion and would like them to give you the same consideration.
   • If the person is a simple acquaintance or even a stranger, you likely don't need to be arguing with them at all. Respectfully remove yourself from the situation.
    
2. 
   2
   Be aware that there are people who must always be right. In this case, the idea of an argument is futile and you need to change the subject or shut down any argument. This isn't about giving in to someone with a difficult personality or a stubborn will; it's about recognizing that your own time and mental health are more valuable than launching into proving such a person wrong. As far as that sort of person is concerned, he or she will never be wrong, so you really are wasting your time.

   • People to be especially wary of include: those with narcissistic or sociopathic tendencies and bossy people. If you believe this is a possibility for the arguer, you might want to run some searches; find other ways to deal with them, find the diagnostic criteria so you can try to figure out if they really do have Narcissistic Personality Disorder or some other personality disorder. Just realizing that he/she does have N. P. D. or some other disorder can really help you feel better -- you'll realize that you have never really been "wrong" at all! Many an insecure person can cling to wanting to be right. In each case, feeling insecure or just plain willful can often serve as the source of a determination to continue in disagreement.
    
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Method 3 of 4: Holding your own

1. 
   1
   Use productive language. Just as resorting to anger won't improve the situation, resorting to petty language won't help things either. Countering an argument with something like: "That's just stupid," won't get you anywhere and will most likely put the other person on the defensive.
    
2. 
   2
   Listen well. Genuinely listen to the other person. Maybe they really do have a valid argument. If they don't, at least you will understand what they are saying and can better reason with them.
    
3. 
   3
   Validate the other person's opinions with phrases like "I understand what you mean" or "I can see where you're coming from." You can then respectfully offer your counter argument.
    
4. 
   4
   Watch out for statements that sound vague. Odds are, the wound-up speaker cannot explain the statements in a satisfactory way. Take advantage of this doubt.
    
5. 
   5
   Don't give ammo away. If you don't know a certain part, avoid it altogether. No point explaining something that you're unsure of.
    
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Method 4 of 4: Getting out of the arguing

1. 
   1
   Redirect arguments. If you find yourself constantly having to converse with a person who always has to be right, become a master of redirection. Change the subject to disarm them, or guide the discussion into more neutral territory. Try to find a topic that you agree on, then you can both be right.
    
2. 
   2
   Recognize when the situation is getting out of control. There is a difference between a friendly argument and a combative situation where people can become angry or hurt. At that point it is best to end the discussion so both of you can calm down. Be realistic. Some arguments are not worth winning if the cost is too high.

 

[Kzoo]

I have a feeling that this thread will be locked by the end of the day....

2

Be aware that there are people who must always be right. In this case, the idea of an argument is futile and you need to change the subject or shut down any argument. This isn't about giving in to someone with a difficult personality or a stubborn will; it's about recognizing that your own time and mental health are more valuable than launching into proving such a person wrong. As far as that sort of person is concerned, he or she will never be wrong, so you really are wasting your time.

• People to be especially wary of include: those with narcissistic or sociopathic tendencies and bossy people. If you believe this is a possibility for the arguer, you might want to run some searches; find other ways to deal with them, find the diagnostic criteria so you can try to figure out if they really do have Narcissistic Personality Disorder or some other personality disorder. Just realizing that he/she does have N. P. D. or some other disorder can really help you feel better -- you'll realize that you have never really been "wrong" at all! Many an insecure person can cling to wanting to be right. In each case, feeling insecure or just plain willful can often serve as the source of a determination to continue in disagreement.

[2Far ★]

I married Miss Right. At the time I didn't know her first name is Always. I do now.

 

[2Far ★]

"Express only what you actually know."

Opinions are like assholes. (Almost) Everyone has one and some of them stink.

[Kirby]

If you're debating something like the best kinds of pizza toppings, it is probably best to just let it go.

 This is how people end up eating stuff like pineapple on pizza.

[Randomguy]

 This is how people end up eating stuff like pineapple on pizza.

I love pineapple on pizza!  It has to be balanced out by something salty, though, like olives or pepperoni, if you are so inclined.

[Kzoo]

I love pineapple on pizza!  It has to be balanced out by something salty, though, like olives or pepperoni, if you are so inclined.

WoKzoo and I regularly have pineapple, ham and G pepper on our pizza.  Good stuff.  I don't understand criticizing people for their tastes in food.  That is the height of arrogance (or always having to be right).

[LoneWolf]

Or, you can just look at them and say "Well, you'll have that" and walk away.