Tessie Two Cents

By Editor | March 9, 2023 |

Everybody’s got a quirk or two

Dear Tessie,

I have a friend that constantly attempts to one-up or seem like a know it all at every subject, even when I know he’s lying. Should I say something or let him tell his tall tales?

M.L.

Dear M.L.,

Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about folks. Everybody’s got a quirk or two… or three or four, sometimes. There’s folks that have a whole bundle of quirks and little special things about them. Not all quirks are bad, and certainly not all quirks are good. But one I’ve never figured out for sure is folks that can’t seem to stand to be wrong.

It happens to all of us at least once or twice, I think. Maybe we make an assumption, or maybe we aren’t knowledgeable about one subject or another. Nobody can know everything or be good at everything. But there’s something about not being the best or smartest in a room that really bothers some of them. As if it is for certain that by not knowing better than someone else, they’ll have to move to Aruba, change their name, and never show their face again.

Often times the ones who make the most noise have the least amount of truth or useful knowledge. You’ve heard them before, boasting about their prized fish, marveling at their own special knowledge. It can get fairly hectic, and even annoying. They always have a more dramatic story or a better idea.

What you do about it… now that’s another story entirely. In some cases, I’d truly say to just let them boost their confidence, if that’s what will make them feel better. Telling an embellished tale to your friends in a bar? No bother. Half of your friends will also recognize it as untrue, and the other half probably won’t remember it being told. Someone is probably not even listening.

If, however, you have to witness your pal weaving a complicated story of lies and enhancements, and it’s got the potential to hurt someone… I’d say step in and be the voice of truth. Even if unintended, there can be consequences to tall tales. The bigger those consequences, like physical injury, someone losing their job, or illegal activities, for example… the more you should try to set it straight.

There’s a difference between someone who has a superiority complex, and someone who has blatantly disregarded others for their own self-image. Set yourself a hard line on that.

And honestly… in the harmless cases, don’t be afraid to make jokes. It can be entertaining to watch the smoke start to blow out the ears of an angry fibber who’s been caught!

Love,

Tessie

Posted in Lifestyles