How do you deal with somebody who has to be right all the time?

[raccoon]

I used to work with somebody like this. He was a good guy, would give you the shirt off his back, but by God he had to be right all the time.

Has anybody here ever called the person on this? If so, how did you say it? How did he/she take it? (Not well, I presume.)

[Iniquitous Bunny]

1. I used to be married to someone like that.

My experience with that person and with others like that are that they usually get defensive, upset, and often rather angry when you point out anything less than how wonderful they are. Sometimes it has to be done, but you are right, it's often not taken well.

[atomic-fly]

2. I usually end up just walking away...no win situation.

They will never get it. All about them.

[RebelOne]

3. My sister is like that. I don't even bother to argue. I can't win.

[electron_blue]

4. don't bother, nothing works. by definition, if they "have to be right",

then they'll maneuver things (usually angrily so) so that it appears that way.

[raccoon]

5. Yeah, I kind of think you guys are right about this.

Just avoid the person, if possible, or else respond with something noncommittal like, "Whatever."