When someone else is wrong

Dealing with other adults is hard.
Especially when they are getting it wrong.

But to bring a little more peace to your life I have one suggestion.

Occasionally let other people off the hook.

How do you know if you should correct them?

Here is the determining factor:
Ask yourself, “Does it matter if I am right?”

For example, if your spouse says, “The paint was $200.”
You have an overpowering urge to correct him.  He was off by $100.
And you certainly could correct him.

But does it matter if he is correct?

If he is telling the neighbor what he just paid, it probably doesn’t matter. Let it go.
If he is writing a check to the painter, it matters. Gently slide on in.

Maybe your friend fiercely says, “You haven’t called me in weeks.”
If they are upset and think you don’t love them, feel free to yell, “Yes, I did! I called you last Tuesday!”
Then they will feel unloved AND accused of lying.

You have corrected them, and you have probably pushed them further away.

Calling? It doesn’t really matter who is right.

Another option is to tell your friend, “I am so sorry. You are one of my favorite people. Let’s go out and have lunch tomorrow!”

Most of the time correcting people creates distance in the relationship.

People don’t remember that you brought them the truth.
They remember how you made them feel.

No one likes it when you point out they are less than.

Does it matter who is right?