Neighbor know it all?

Question

This drives me nuts - I have a neighbor who is a pseudo friend. We live on a small street and have kids in the same age groups so it is impossible to avoid contact. Mostly we have pleasant interchanges but nearly every conversation she states things as facts that are totally off the wall. She starts talking about things with all the facts either mixed up or plain wrong. And if I try to interject or suggest otherwise, she is adamant about being right. It kills me when she goes off on these when there are others listening to her, especially when she is giving them information that is outright wrong.

I know that trying to gently correct her won't work - I have tried to say things like, oh, I think you mean... .blah blah or I reference things like, I read somewhere else... blah blah so she doesn't have to admit she is wrong. The thing is, she never considers that she MAY be incorrect.

Anyone dealt with this and how do you manage so you can stand to be around them?

Answer 1

I like being a man. It means I can tell someone to "shut the h**l up" when they annoy me and not give a d**n.

Answer 2

Like Oprah magazine once said, try saying, "Oh, that's a theory".

Answer 3

Just say, "Oh, I don't think that's right, but go on ..."

This neighbor likes to argue.  You can basically say you don't believe her without turning around and giving your own facts or opinions.  If she wants to hear what you have to say, she will ask.  And I'll bet she never does ask, though the other people might.  

The less time you spend with her the better, so the shorter you can keep the conversation, the happier you will be.  

You can't change people like that, and she gets attention, even though it is negative attention, by being a know-it-all.  Once you give up and stop trying to help her see the error of her ways, you can move on to better friendships.

Answer 4

Trying to get someone like this to see reason is futile.

Honestly, I would not engage her at all -- with the exception of polite social conversation.  

Don't worry -- she's likely doing a fine job of making herself look stupid to any intelligent, open-minded person. The next time she does this, look around the group of people -- those who are agreeing with her inane comments are not your type of people (and thus can be ignored); those who are standing their not saying anything are likely thinking "what a freakin' crazy.  I can't believe people agree with this c**p".  If people keep walking away from the conversation, she will eventually only be surrounded by people who think the same -- or maybe she's so crazy and eventually will be left with no one to listen.  I actually think it's cute when the crazy people manage to find on another -- everyone deserves someone to love! lol

I would stand there quietly (only until I could get away) and laugh at her inside my head.  That's how I would keep the polite smile on my face.  We aren't all meant to get along in the world.

Answer 5

just let her continue thinking she's right!  makes no difference anyway.  you be you and let her be her.

Answer 6

yes they are around!

i might have to add this.. How do you think she feels when someone says i think you mean... reguardless that is harsher to swollow it feels as if that statement is more demanding and not so much forgiving!  do you think some of your frustration is comeing out with the word choices?

did you noticed how i corrected you?  just by asking questions!

if you know she is wrong then ask questions that would prove it!

example: No paper hole puncher has sliding holes so you can adjust them to fit your needs. (I'm sure you have seen the 3 hole punchers that slide)

you could say something like this.

Really they don't? umm then maybe you know how that underpaid coach got that special binder with the normal line paper.. have you seen it it was cut to length and he punched the holes? is there another defive that does that?

over all it's hard to put up with no it alls so do what others do and have fun with it!  put them on the spot withcrazy questions that will make them admmit (to self) that they were wrong!

Also don;t be afraid to use i feel... and don't be afraid to agreee to disagree!