People Who Are Mentally & Emotionally Arrogant Usually React Poorly To 8 Casual Phrases
talalih | PexelsPsychologists say there are three basic types of arrogance: individual, comparative, and antagonistic. Depending on the type of arrogance you're dealing with, you may need to say something that will redirect them, make them feel heard, or let them know they have overstepped boundaries.
It’s unfortunate, but at some point in their life, pretty much everyone will have to deal with a mentally & emotionally arrogant person, and when you do, using these casual phrases can put them in their place — but just know: they'll probably react poorly.
People who are mentally & emotionally arrogant usually can't handle hearing these things:
1. 'Your confidence in your capabilities is noted'
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This casual phrase, said in a deadpan tone, is the best way to both acknowledge the mentally & emotionally arrogant person’s opinion while simultaneously rejecting it. This can subtly avoid drama or make the situation worse. Dr. Alex Lickerman, M.D., notes that no matter what we say, the tone we use communicates what we're feeling when we say it. By staying calm and firm while letting even an overly confident person know that you have heard what they had to say, you are letting them know you cannot and will not be bullied into agreement.
2. 'Let’s focus on the task at hand'
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It can be downright frustrating when someone’s mental & emotional arrogance keeps distracting from the main task at hand. During moments like these, it's easy to allow emotions to run rampant and yell something like, "Will you please be quiet?" It is far more effective, however, to simply redirect their energy.
By repeating the casual phrase, "Let's focus on the task at hand," you have a better chance of getting done what you need to get done instead of getting into a fight. Research suggests that "politeness plays a significant role in negotiations," so when putting a mentally & emotionally arrogant person in their place, being polite can help you both stay on track.
3. 'That’s fascinating! Moving on...'
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Most of us are constantly busy and don’t have time to sit down and discuss the mentally & emotionally arrogant person's poor behavior. By saying, "That's fascinating," you acknowledge the other person's point and make them feel good about themselves. And when you combine it with "Moving on," you're essentially letting them know it isn't all about them and the conversation needs to keep going. So, if the goal is to put an arrogant person in their place, then it's best to make them feel important but also let them know there is more to what is being discussed than just them.
4. 'Is that relevant to the conversation?'
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Sometimes mentally & emotionally arrogant people say out-of-pocket comments that have nothing to do with the conversation that's being had. They might talk about their skills or boast about how great their life is. It's unfortunate, but many arrogant people don't realize their constant stream of unnecessary comments impacts others more than they realize. Though slightly rude, maybe, they’re doing arrogant people a favor by calling out their behavior, helping them save face before they make a mockery out of themselves.
5. 'Well, I value your perspective'
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There's nothing more satisfying than saying, "Well, I value your perspective," to put a mentally & emotionally arrogant person in their place. At first glance, most people might not see anything wrong with this phrase. But the inclusion of "well" is the difference between being meek and being direct. By uttering "well," you're pausing. According to businessman and multi-award-winning public speaker John Zimmer, pausing helps people reflect on what was said; combine this with a sarcastic tone, and the arrogant person will better understand what you're actually saying and feel embarrassed for being disrespectful.
6. 'It’s okay to not know everything'
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Another casual phrase that puts a mentally & emotionally arrogant person in their place is, "It's okay to not know everything." On the surface, this might sound like an encouraging or considerate thing to say. However, in context, this is essentially telling an arrogant person, "You don't know everything, so please stop."
In the moment, this will definitely leave an arrogant person embarrassed as they grapple with how to respond. But if someone really wants to empathize with their frustrations, they can pretend to be sympathetic or give them a little pat on the back. All of this combined will leave the other person stunned and effectively shut the conversation down for good.
7. 'That’s one way to look at it'
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Another casual phrase that puts a mentally & emotionally arrogant person in their place is, "That's one way to look at it." This phrase is a great way to show how annoyed and fed up you are with the arrogant person's behavior. It can also be used to express how much you dislike their idea or opinion.
8. 'Let’s hear what other people have to say'
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Mentally & emotionally arrogant people feel entitled to own whatever room they're in. By not allowing other people to speak, arrogant people steal the spotlight. A lack of diverse opinions doesn't lead to the best outcome. Researcher and associate professor at Boston University Evan Apfelbaum explains that diverse groups make vigorous decisions, which leads to fewer mistakes. That's why it's important to call out arrogant people when they talk over others. Not only is their behavior disrespectful, but it also prevents collaboration, leading to worse results.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers topics such as self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology.
