Is there anything worse than being around someone who always thinks they know better than you? Whether you’re talking about work, hobbies, or even your personal life, they somehow have all the answers and love to tell you everything you’re doing it wrong and how you could be doing it right (read: their way). The next time this happens to you, here’s what you can say back to them.
1. “Got any sources to back that up?”
Challenge their “facts.” This forces them to prove their claims or admit they’re spouting nonsense, potentially discouraging them from doing it in the future. Of course, if they do actually have proof of what they’re talking about, you should be willing to hear it. However, nine times out of 10, it’s all hot air.
2. “I appreciate your input, but I’ll figure this out.”
Polite but firm, this comeback highlights that you value their intentions but also your own independence and establishes a clear boundary against unsolicited advice. You can handle things yourself and decide what’s right for you — you don’t need their input, and you certainly didn’t ask for it.
3. “Since you’re such an expert, how about you do it?”
People who always think they know better usually love telling other people what to do but dislike actual work. Put the responsibility on them to either back up their words with action or shut up. They want to give you directions rather than actually take care of the task at hand themselves.
4. “Let’s agree to disagree.”
Avoid pointless debates. This shows you won’t get sucked into their argumentative loop and respect different viewpoints without having to validate theirs. You’re never going to see eye to eye, so why would you waste time and energy trying to convince them (or letting them try to convince you) to come around to a completely different way of thinking?
5. “Maybe we should get someone else’s opinion on this.”
Undermine their self-appointed authority. Suggesting a third-party expert hints that you don’t see them as the be-all-end-all on the subject. An objective person might be able to give a more balanced perspective based on common sense, not ego. However, chances are, they won’t want to hear anyone else’s thoughts — they didn’t even value yours!
6. “That’s interesting. Why do you think that?”
Turn the tables. Force them to explain their reasoning, especially since this often exposes flawed logic and highlighting their lack of in-depth knowledge. It quickly becomes clear just how little they know about what they’re talking about, and they’ll either admit that or shut up entirely.
7. “Your opinion is noted.”
Polite dismissiveness. It acknowledges them without engaging, subtly conveying that you don’t take their unsolicited advice seriously. If they have any ability whatsoever to read people or the room, this should give them enough of a hint that it’s time to zip their lips and leave you alone.
8. “I’m sure you believe that.”
This offers a hint of sarcasm and lets them know you find their opinion questionable without a full-blown confrontation. Sure, maybe they really do actually think that what they’re saying is valuable or even “right,” but this comeback lets them know you’re not on the same page in that regard.
9. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Abruptly change the subject by shutting the conversation down ASAP. This signals that their unsolicited opinions aren’t valuable to the conversation and your time is better spent elsewhere. If they continue going on, you’ll likely have to follow this up with a more direct statement about how you don’t want to continue speaking to them, but hopefully it doesn’t come to that.
10. “Let me know when you’ve actually tried that yourself.”
Call out people who give advice they’d never follow. It devalues their opinion by questioning their experience and exposing their potential hypocrisy. Most of the time, people who always think they know better love dishing out advice they’d never follow in their own lives. What’s their point exactly?
11. Offer silence and a blank stare.
This is a powerful nonverbal pushback. Let their words dangle in awkward silence until they realize they’re getting nowhere with you. Sure, this is a little bit awkward, but if more direct, mature responses just don’t work, sometimes needs must and you have to do what you have to do to preserve your energy.
12. “So what’s your point?”
Cut through their rambling. By saying this to them, it will soon become clear that their grand advice boils down to nothing substantial. A lot of times, people who think they know better really just love the sound of their own voice and they’ll keep on going until you stop them.
13. “Are you done?”
Blunt, to the point, and shows your tolerance is spent. It emphasizes that you’re tired of their lectures and have no desire to keep listening.
14. Give a simple laugh and walk away.
As mentioned above, sometimes disengagement is the strongest response. Denying them the reaction they crave sends a clear message that their opinions are laughable. Obviously, this is one you’ll end up trying when all the other methods have failed and you’re at your wits’ end with this person.
15. “Thanks, but I’m not asking for advice right now.”
This is direct and sets a firm boundary. The key is communicating that their input is unwanted at this specific moment, which prevents them from dominating the conversation (or so you can hope).
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