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.