Do You Like to Always be Right?

Is it important for you to have the last word or to always be right? The truth is, if you always have to be right, something’s wrong.

The battle for the last word can happen any time. I recently saw a silly example of this in my own life. As my wife and I were leaving the house in separate cars we began to take turns honking at each other saying goodbye. Several times I thought my honk was the last one only to hear my wife honk again. Finally, I waited until she was down the street and couldn't hear me then honked my horn again. I won! I know, sounds pretty immature, but many of us operate this way in life.

Needing to have the last word or to always be right typically stems from pride. Prideful people believe that they must win, must be right or must have people agree with them in order to have value. The truth is that our real value is revealed in the absence of pride, for example, when we demonstrate kindness and thoughtfulness.

The harder you work at always winning or being right the more likely it is that you will repel people. True humility is what strengthens your relationships and attracts people to you. Rather than wasting your energy on trying to maintain a false sense of worth and significance try turning your attention toward something that really makes a difference like being the real you, imperfections and all.

Relate Well!
Dr. Todd