How to Argue With Someone Who Thinks They Are Always Right

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When you are dealing with an argumentative individual, and that person believes they are always right about pretty much everything, here are some steps you can use to help with the situation.

Steps

1. Consider if the subject is actually worth debating. Is this something about which you have deep feelings? Does it matter at all? If the answer is "no" then the easiest thing to do is just nod and go do something else.
2. Before you get into a debate, be honest with yourself about your relative knowledge on the subject at hand. Do you actually know what you're talking about? If the answer is "no" then just nod and go do something else.
3. Learn that when arguing with a know-it-all, never make up something completely outrageous to support your argument if you are out of things to say. This will come back to haunt you. There are some people you simply cannot convince ("Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind's made up.").
4. Understand that if you are arguing with someone about a subject such as life on other planets, the fact is neither of you have a clue about the subject. This is a fantasy argument. Recognize it as such and just have a good time with it. There is no reason to let this get under your skin or cause any strife between the two of you.
5. If the argument gets too heated, make up an excuse to leave or change the subject.

Tips

• Be smart about using these methods.
• Always have a plan in mind.
• If you do get into an argument with a know-it-all, and it is getting long, use step 1 and argue it for about 30 seconds and say you have to go and leave.

Warnings

• Be careful that know-it-all isn't actually crazy.
• Use of this method can be fun but if used wrong people will think you are the weird one.
• If you are either at the very beginning or the very end of a good argument, where you both know facts, NEVER just walk away, this just further proves he/she is right if you just give up.

Related wikiHows

• How to Argue
• How to Argue With Teachers
• How to Argue Using the Socratic Method
• How to Present a Minor Debate
• How to Stand up to Injustice
• How to Deal With a Know It All
• How to Be a Know It All

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