Have you ever spent the day with somebody who contradicts everything you say? People who constantly contradict others can drive you to the point of insanity.
Apparently, there is an official term called “oppositional confrontation style,” where the person basically disagrees with everything you say. If you mention that it is a sunny day outside, they will point out that they actually see clouds on the horizon. If you mention that someone did an amazing thing they will negate your point and claim the opposite is true and the person did a rubbish job.
Just for fun, watch their pattern and see how many times they say the opposite of everything point you make in an hour. Acting a contradictive asshole certainly won’t win a person a lot of friends.
If someone keeps winding you up and pushing your buttons with their contradictions, use one of our clever comebacks below, and give them a taste of their own medicine.
Vote for the best comeback when someone keeps contradicting you
Definition of a person who contradicts others
In arguments, there is always a side to which we are in favour. People don’t always agree with everything you say. These situations are where you can meet a person who likes contradicting.
A contradicting person is someone who habitually disagrees or challenges the opinions, statements, or beliefs of others. They do this in a way that’s argumentative and negative. Often, it’s annoying because it can be insensitive to others.
While contradiction is one way of voicing one’s opinion, it can be disrespectful or disruptive. It’s good to engage in constructive dialogue. However, always bear in mind that you need to respect the opinions of others.
How to deal with being called contradictory
Being called contradictory can affect you emotionally. But you can handle it in the best way possible. Here are ways to deal with it and improve:
- Listen to the feedback when people call you contradictory: The best start to growth is listening. When you hear their side and their reasons, it will be easier to see where you were wrong. From there, you can reflect and start moving your way to improvement.
- Reflect on your behaviour: Try to look back and replay scenes of when you think you were being contradictory. Recall your tone and your intentions. Were you being excessively contradictory? Identifying your specific problematic behaviours can help you work on changing them.
- Practice active listening: When having discussions with your peers, try to listen more than you talk. You’ll be surprised how much more you could learn in active listening. You can start practicing this by listening to others’ perspectives and asking questions.
- Find common ground: In conversations and arguments, try to shift your focus. Instead of focusing solely on finding differences, try to find common ground with others. Contradictory people usually focus on negativity. They find joy in raining on others’ parades, and it’s time to change this behaviour.
- Seek support: See a therapist or counsellor if being called contradictory is affecting you.
Thoughtful dialogues involve looking into other perspectives. While expressing your contradictory arguments is healthy, you must do it properly. Constructive dialogue requires respect. This way, we create a healthy social environment.
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Be prepared for a difficult person
If you have to deal with a difficult person who gives you a hard time, our bundle Snappy Comebacks any Situation can help you out. Be prepared for challenging people with clever responses on your phone or device any time or anywhere.
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Famous people called out for contradicting others
In the vast world of media, where people are on the lookout for celebrities’ opinions, it’s only normal to find some who act in contradictory manner. Here are several famous people who have been called out for contradicting others, including:
- Donald Trump: The former US President has not only been contradicting others but also himself. He’s moderately active on social media, and folks have read his many contradicting tweets. Trump has also been openly contradictory to other people’s beliefs in live interviews.
- Kanye West: The rapper is very firm in his belief that he is always right. He has been called out a lot of times for contradicting others and making it a point that he is the better person. He is known for his strong political views and statements.
- Bill O’Reilly: The former Fox News host has also been on the list of people who seem to like to contradict. He has displayed this behaviour on his show. He is confrontational and strongly tends to contradict guests on his show.
- Tucker Carlson: Carlson is another former Fox News host called out for being contradictiory. He has made several problematic comments and was the talk of the time during the pandemic. This is mainly because of his views on COVID-19 and vaccines.
- Ann Coulter: The political commentator has been criticized for contradicting herself and others. She is also very confrontational in debates and interviews.
Interacting with someone who is contradicting you can be very uncomfortable and annoying. However, it’s a trait that can be worked on, so we must show patience. Being kind and respectful is always appreciated.
The role of counselling and self-care
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When you are dealing with people who contradict everything you say and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
9 Responses
P1: Do you keep contradicting me to sound smart? Or do you just make a habit out of acting stupid?
OR
P1: Why do you make a habit out of acting stupid by contradicting everything I sa
How about a taste of their own medicine. When they say the sky is blue, disagree with them.
How much does it cost to subscribe to your website? I’m thinking about becoming a part time
stand up comic, and could use some good replies for any hecklers in the audience.
Hi John,
We don’t have a subscription, but if you look in our store on the top menu we have a bundle. The bundle has cheat sheets and every comeback you could ever need.
Good luck with your comedy.
Bryn
Were you born charming, or did you take special lessons? 😀
My sister is 6 years older than me. She constantly argues the point and contradicts comments what I say. Sometimes I feel extremely frustrated and don’t feel like saying anything at all. At times I will leave the room as I feel extremely anxious.
I don’t think she does it on purpose and sometimes I feel that maybe she doesn’t realise how damaging it can be. Are you able to give me some tips to help me. Thank you
They are called contrarians. Just try to learn when to back off calmly. In my opinion the way to answer after a while and quit the useless debate is to say something like the following: “I really respect your point of view, I have mine. I just feel I cannot sustain this discussion anymore, I’m sorry. As of now I wish to have time for myself to reflect on some personal matters. I will be happy to resume this discussion possibly another day as I need to solve personal matters! I hope you understand… I wish not to appear as selfish, just a current necessity I just realised!” If the person starts to become upset/agressive/angry/insulting…. Then its up to you to tell them to “shut up, please do not start to impose”
I have a friend who takes ‘spells’ doing this and I find it’s often when she’s unhappy in her own life.