Mrs Always Right

You’ve probably heard the joke – when I met and married Mr Right, I didn’t realise his first name was “Always”!

Truth be told, in our house it’s probably the other way around … oops 😉 .

I guess it’s one of my little character flaws that I can sometimes be a bit of a “know-it-all”. (Although – is there anyone who doesn’t get a buzz out of being right?!)

Then I read something which pointed out that this need to always be right, could in fact be damaging my relationships.

Since then, I have found that it’s a good idea to stop and reflect when things get a little heated: “Do I *have* to be right?”

I’ve found it quite helpful when dealing with all types of folk.

For example, in the early years of our marriage I know I drove the hubster mad with my need to be “right” all the time!

However nowadays I pause and remember: It’s not always that important to be the one in the “right”! What is more important – our relationship, or my need to be right?

Then there was the time I was writing a letter for work, to be sent to a number of teachers. It was about some activities designed “to complement their classroom program”.

My boss felt I had used the incorrect version of the word “complement” – she thought it should be “compliment”.

Now as a writer and editor of many years’ experience, I knew I was right! But … what good would it have done to stand my ground and get my boss offside?

Of course, I didn’t want to send out a letter with incorrect grammar or spelling – particularly to teachers!

So instead I suggested that we substitute the word “enhance” for the contentious “compliment/complement”.

It was a win-win situation – my boss didn’t feel I was being difficult and/or challenging her authority – and I was happy to put my name to a letter without any errors in it.

So next time you find yourself trying to prove a point at work, or springing to your own defense in a conversation with a loved one, stop and think: What’s more important here – this relationship, or my need to be right?!

Have you struggled with this issue in your relationships?