How to not be a know-it-all and stop correcting people?

Question

i hate it when i bug people, and i didn't even know i was a know-it-all untill recently. I've tried to stop but i cant help it, i know way to much, and if someone asks a question i always answer even if it was retorical or they don't care, and if someone makes a mistake, i correct them. I really want to stop because it buggs my friends. what can i do?

Answer 1

Exercise a little self control.  No one likes a windbag, and it sounds like that is what you are turning into.

Keep it up and you won't have the problem any more...because no one will want to be around you.

Answer 2

you can correct them occasionally so you don't have to give up your habit of correcting people. just control yourself. basically, think before you speak :)

Answer 3

In general if someone asks you a question, give them a short, concise answer and leave it that that.  It is not an invitation to a disquisition on the subject so keep it short and simple.

If they follow up with another question you may continue but don't give people a paragraph when a sentence will do.   The less you say the more people will want to listen to you.

Unless you are an English teacher among students, don't correct people's grammar or spelling.  Just because someone's grammar isn't the best does not mean they are stupid either.  Don't dismiss them out of hand.  

Answer 4

Every time you're about to speak, count to 10 and then decide if what you are going to say will have a good response or a bad one.  If it's bad then don't say it.

Answer 5

Just learn to control yourself a little more.  Remember that, if fact, you do not know-it-all about anything.  It's important to have a little humility in this life.  

Answer 6

I'm sorry. I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Answer 7

Think before you speak Hun. Old habits are hard to break but if you really want to break this one you will find a way.  It might be hard at first but sooner or later you will start catching yourself and will be able to control what comes out of your mouth.

And for your friends that know how you are, maybe you can tell them to remind you to wait 5 seconds before replying that what you can think about what come back you are about to say.  Sounds kinda lame but sometimes even lame works.