Sunday Aug 02, 2009

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My soon to be roommate told me that I come off as a know-it-all because I correct people.

Is it really rude to correct someone when they are wrong?

I want people to tell me if my facts are skewed. I love learning new things and if my previous knowledge about something is wrong Im glad to be corrected.

Perhaps it's impolite to correct people's grammar and spelling when it comes to simple shit where I obviously know what they were trying to say and Ive made a very strong effort to cease that behavior. I think though when it comes to knowing the name of the historical figure who you are trying to reference, or knowing the time and place of past events, or even simple pop culture knowledge, I don't think Im being rude when I correct people. I appreciate when people correct me when Ive gotten these things wrong.

Damn... maybe she's right?
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
justsayfaux:
i think its the context and the way you correct people. most often i let it side if its a non-crucial detail or some arbitrary reference that doesnt 'need' to be corrected. other times it helps to phrase your correction as a question rather to soften the blow or even perhaps get the person to think about the facts and give themself the chance to correct themselves.

you never know -- everyone is different and some people hate to be corrected just for ego reasons. i personally dont mind being corrected if im wrong. but if someone comes off as condescending, its kind of annoying.
silentwhisper:
I would say its subjective, the tone of voice people use when correcting others is the main thing; I know certain people who without trying just come off as bitchy know it alls, which was the last of their intentions. meh.

Though I would say if most of the things you're correcting are historical, Id say you have room to do so.

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