It can be really irritating when someone never says they’re wrong, and we all know someone like that, right? They stick to their guns no matter what, even if everyone can see they’ve made a mistake. We can look at 18 different ways to handle these tricky situations and figure out what to do when someone just won’t admit they’re mistaken.
Try to See Their POV
Sometimes, it’s not about winning an argument. When dealing with someone who can’t admit they’re wrong, try to understand their point of view; this isn’t about agreeing with them. This can make it easier to talk things through as it’s often more about feelings than facts.
Ask Questions
Curiosity can be your best tool, so try asking them to explain their thoughts. XONecole says that this is a good way to disarm them and make them more open to hearing you out. It can sometimes help them to see the glaring errors in their own argument without you pointing them out.
Keep Your Cool
It’s easy to get mad when someone won’t budge, but staying calm is key because if you lose your temper, they’ll just dig in their heels even more. Speak calmly and use simple words. When you stay cool, you have a much better chance of being heard.
Use “I” Statements
Instead of saying, “You’re wrong,” try “I feel” or “I think.” as this makes your words seem less like an all-out attack. For example, if you say, “I feel confused about your point on this” ” it’s a softer approach that can open up a conversation instead of shutting everything down.
Agree to Disagree
Sometimes, you won’t get them to admit they’re wrong, and you have to just accept that that’s okay. Saying something like “I guess we see things differently” can end the discussion peacefully. Psychology Today says it’s a way for you to validate yourself and move on without either side winning or losing.
Limit Jargon
Keep your language simple and try to avoid big words or complicated, long-winded explanations. The easier it is to understand what you’re saying, and the clearer and more concise you are, the harder it is for them to argue against it.
Find Common Ground
Start with something you both agree on, as this builds a foundation of agreement. From there, try to build up the points you feel need addressing the most. After that, it can be easier to discuss the things you don’t see eye-to-eye.
Bring in a Third Party
Sometimes, having someone else there can help. The best way to implement this is to choose someone who is nonbiased and respected by both of you. They can usually offer a fresh perspective and help mediate the discussion in a way that keeps both sides calm and happy.
Reflect on Their Feelings
Show them you understand their emotions. Saying things like “It seems like you feel strongly about this “, “or “can see why you’re frustrated” shows them you understand while validating their feelings, and that acknowledgment can make them more open to discussion.
Offer Alternatives
Instead of trying to prove them wrong, give them other possibilities. Say, “What if we look at it this way instead?” and present them with another version of the truth that they might be more open to. It’s a less direct way of challenging their viewpoint.
Focus on Facts
People who don’t admit they’re wrong can very often respond better to clear facts; instead of making it about opinions, which everyone has, bring up information that’s hard to argue with. Ted states that if this doesn’t work, then it’s best to disengage from the conversation for a little while.
Keep It Private
No one likes to be called out in front of others, so make sure to try your best to have these conversations one-on-one. This will prevent them from feeling disrespected by causing embarrassment, which can make them become defensive.
Be Patient
Try to be as patient as possible. Remember that these things can take some time, so don’t expect a big change right away. Sometimes, you need multiple conversations covering the same issues repeatedly to start making progress.
Use Humor
A light joke can ease tension, but be careful not to come across as though you are mocking them. Humor should be used with caution in a gentle and friendly way, aimed at lightening the mood, not hurting feelings or belittling people.
Set Boundaries
Know when to stop by knowing your boundaries. If the conversation isn’t going anywhere and you feel as if you are going round in circles or just going over old ground, it’s okay to end it. You can say, “Let’s talk about something else.”
Highlight the Impact
Explain how their inability to admit mistakes affects others, and be sure to do this gently. For example, “When this happens, it makes it hard for everyone to work together.” Hola suggests that avoiding direct confrontation and gradually showing the impact they are having can be a better course of action.
Praise
Praise moments when they are open or do admit to small mistakes, and be extra careful not to chastise. They need to feel it’s okay to make mistakes. Praising and keeping calm reinforces positive behavior and shows that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes.
Be a Good Listener
Really listen to what they’re saying because being heard feels good. Everyone likes to feel as though their thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter. Feeling heard can make someone more flexible in their thinking and more open to talking about issues or mistakes.
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