How to Deal With a Know-It-All

Living with a know-it-all is annoying, to say the least. The unsolicited should'ves and would'ves are aggravating, frustrating and not even remotely helpful. But, as we all know, a person comes as a package and we have to appreciate the good and make the most of the bad.
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man's hand holding golden...
man's hand holding golden...

Do you have a know-it-all in your life? Maybe it's your mother, your son or, like me, it's your husband. Perhaps you are the know-it-all. If so, and you want your relationships to work, I suggest you forward this on to your loved ones. Laughter is a cure-all, after all.

More Than a Know-it-All - Living with someone who has know-it-all tendencies is annoying, to say the least. The unsolicited should'ves and would'ves are aggravating, frustrating and not even remotely helpful. But, as we all know, a person comes as a package and we have to appreciate the good and make the most of the bad. Luckily my know-it-all hubby is also gorgeous and kind. He is (and will be the first to say it) a fantastic cook, too. But most importantly, he has a great sense of humor, which goes a long way in our house.

The Mini Trophy - This is how I cope with his pushy words of wisdom. Whenever my hubby reckons he's an expert (and he does reckon because he's British), I present him with, what I fondly and sarcastically refer to as, a mini trophy. The mini trophy is an imaginary award approximately 6 inches high. There's a surplus of them in my pocket at all times and a few in my purse. They really do come in handy.

The Ceremony - The mini trophy presentation is quick and straight to the point. I just reach into my pocket (it's so convenient), pull one out and perform a brief ceremony. Using my finest primary school teacher expression, (it's all in the eyes) and in the voice of a therapist, I say something like:

"Thank you so much for those life-altering words of wisdom. I appreciate you taking the time to offer such insight and I feel compelled to honour you with...this well deserved mini trophy."

Most of the time, he is speechless and I relish in the silence.

The End Result
- "Ahhhhhhhhhh" That's the sound of me, basking in my own glory.

He really is building up a nice collection though; always the overachiever. I'm just glad they're small and invisible or we'd be living in the clutter of his know-how.

Now, it's your turn. Get those trophies out and start presenting them. You won't regret it.

And, if you do present a mini trophy, I'd LOVE to hear about it!

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