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 have longevity, I suggest you forward this on to your loved ones.
More than just 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 humour, 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, invisible mini trophy.
Most of the time, he is speechless and I relish in the silence.
Ahhhhhhhhhh.
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.
If you present a mini trophy, I’d love to hear about it.
12 Comments
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Pingback: How to Deal with a Know-it-all… | Shannon Day's Martinis & Motherhood
This is good advice, but it’s only what I’ve been telling people for years! (Just kidding. I am going to start using this idea immediately. I even know whose names to engrave on the trophies in advance.)
Hi Bronwyn, thanks for taking the time to comment. An engraved trophy is even more of an honour to receive! You must have a very special know-it-all in your life.lol
Ha, ha, ha! I think my hubby can be a little bit like this too!!
Sounds like a mini trophy candidate to me. Thanks for commenting : )
Oh. I love this! I will try it next on my brother-in-law, who is the biggest know-it-all on the planet. He needs some of these middle-finger-sized trophies of which you speak. Bet if I check my pockets, I’ll find a fresh supply from you. Thanks in advance for speedy delivery! 🙂
I love that you’ve given me super powers! Lol. Hope your brother-in-law enjoys his trophies.
Mini trophy. Every time I imagine doing this, I die. I need to start reining in my immediate reactions and start presenting mini trophies. Maybe even upgrade to a maxi trophy every once in a while. You know, for the REALLY big wins. Awesome post. xxx+o
Jess, I recommend practising in front of the mirror. Get the delivery down and then, when the time is right, just reach into your pocket (or oversized bag if it’s a maxi) and go for it!
I have an actual trophy about 3″ high, that I found at the dollar store and I pull it out for my son and co-workers. I also pull it out for myself, on occasion, but for a completely different reason.
That is fantastic, Marie. We all deserve a bit of “recognition” sometimes. I have been distributing quite a few minis lately so I’m thankful that they’re imaginary!