3 Reasons You Should Stop Correcting People

As someone raised by parents in academia, I always want you to know that I know it all. One of my best friends would preface the advice she would give me with “And I know you already know this Isa but…”. So yeah, there’s been a little transformation there, and it’s a challenge that resets every day. So here are just a couple of reasons why it’s worth it to stop correcting people.

#1 It Doesn’t Make You Look Good

Consider why you feel the need to correct someone. You think that you’re making yourself more valuable by correcting people. Maybe you don’t feel heard and want them to correct themselves. When you can be anything in the world, choose to be quiet. Correcting someone usually makes you look like an asshole even with the kindest delivery. The fact of the matter is people will correct themselves, whether it’s in the moment with you, or as an afterthought on their drive home.

#2 It Doesn’t Make Them Feel Good

Of course, context is everything, but most people aren’t thinking: The highlight of my day was when Isa corrected me! It’s probably one of the lower points of their day. It usually isn’t the correction itself, but what the correction implies. Maybe they’re hard of hearing and already frustrated with their limitations. Maybe they’re working on being a better listener and this was a reminder that they’re still not getting any closer to their goals.

#3 It’s NOT Productive

People say my name wrong all the time. I used to get so mad as a child. Instead of showing that it bothers me, or getting frustrated, I get to see if they can self-correct or ask me. By doing this I feel more at peace, it’s a small step in de-centering myself from other people’s lives. I get to value my peace and if they are interested in getting it right, they will take action.

Okay, now let me know what you think about all this!