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Know-it-alls
Have you ever met someone who always pretends to know everything about everything? This type of person is often referred to as a “know-it-all.” They have a tendency to interrupt conversations, give unsolicited advice, and brag about their knowledge of a given topic. It’s common for a know-it-all to come across as arrogant and dismissive of other people’s opinions.
It’s important to recognize that it’s impossible for anyone to know everything, and most people who act like know-it-alls are just trying to seem smarter than they are. In extreme cases, this behavior can be a sign of deeper emotional or psychological problems.
They cause a breakdown in communication.
When two people engage in a conversation, it is important for both parties to listen to each other actively. However, sometimes, one person may not be truly listening and just want to speak and pretend that they know everything. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and even escalate into an argument. In some cases, the person who is not being listened to may continue to talk in an attempt to get their point across, but eventually, they may realize that their words are falling on deaf ears.
Five distinct types of Know-it-all people :
1. The first type is the show-off who wants to impress others. They like to act like they know it all to make themselves look smart.
2. The second type is someone who doesn’t feel confident and doesn’t want to look bad. They pretend to know about a topic to avoid feeling inadequate.
3. The third type is someone who’s not interested in the topic and wants to end the conversation quickly. They pretend to know what’s going on to wrap up the discussion faster.
4. The fourth type is a fast learner who can understand the main idea of a topic quickly. They pretend to know about it because they can pick up on the important parts easily.
5. The fifth type is someone who doesn’t like to gossip or hear negative talk about others. They pretend to know what’s being said so that the gossiper won’t feel proud of spreading rumors.
How to deal with Know-it-alls
Dealing with someone who thinks they know it all can be frustrating and make you feel inferior or angry. But there are ways to handle the situation and avoid letting it ruin your day.
- Firstly, try to remain calm and avoid reacting when you feel annoyed or upset. This will help you focus on the situation and identify the tricks and strategies the person may use to make themselves appear superior.
- It’s not always easy to control your reactions, but you can try physically leaving the space, taking a deep breath, and resetting. When speaking to the person, try redirecting your attention to physical sensations in your body rather than reacting.
- Remember that the person’s behavior is likely not about you personally. They may be struggling with their own feelings and challenges, and their behavior may be a long-standing pattern. Setting boundaries can help, but it can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it.
- Avoid arguing with a know-it-all, as they may be skilled in constructing arguments to suit their purposes. Instead, focus on responding with kindness and making a swift exit available.
- Lastly, recognize your own strengths and what makes you valuable. People who behave like know-it-alls may be trying to cover their own feelings of insecurity. If you suspect their behavior is less innocent, take measures to safeguard yourself and cultivate healthy self-esteem.