Sometimes, I can’t admit when I’m wrong…

Disclaimer: I am not an arrogant woman. Not in the least. As a matter of fact, I am an introverted mom of 4 millennial daughters who honestly hasn’t had a chance to get a word in edgewise since my first child was born. That said, as the years creep up on me, I have decided that I need to get better at a couple of things.

The first is texting with both thumbs, and the other is admitting when I am wrong. Now the texting thing is a ridiculous work-in-progress, but the other thing? Well, that needs to happen. After much soul searching and “self-work”, as they say, I think I know what’s been going on here. 

Some people don’t seem to care in the least if they win an argument, if their idea is chosen, or if they have to admit they’re wrong about something. Bless those people. Regardless, there are reasons that people like me have trouble admitting when we’re wrong.

Reason 1: I am not used to being wrong

I know what you’re thinking. But honestly, I am fairly certain that as an introvert, I have had more than my share of just letting things go for the sake of not adding fuel to a fire. It’s not right, I am not proud of it, but some things don’t matter enough to disturb the peace I so desperately need in my mind. Hence, when a situation arises where I may actually be wrong, I have a really hard time coughing up those words. I can’t help but think, “what about all those other times that I let you be right when you were actually wrong?”

So there you have it. I’m just not used to it.

Reason 2: What was the question?

Ah, that’s really mature. But seriously, I think the notion of having to admit we’re wrong, with those words, seems absurd. I have a go-to reaction when I am in that situation. It goes like this: “Huh. (pause here) Is that right? I guess I missed something.” Nice job, slick.

That’s what we call deflecting in the real world. It’s not that I was mistaken, I just didn’t have all the facts.

Well played.

Reason 3: Maybe I just needed a win

This may seem like the lamest reason of all. You would be wrong if you think that, however. It’s hard for people like me to give in on things because we don’t often seek attention or credit for anything. So it sure as hell isn’t going to be an admission of being incorrect that’s going to make me chime in, speak up and call attention to myself.

No thanks. I’d rather just plead ignorance of the facts than take the emotional hit. 

All in all, admitting when you are wrong is the right thing to do. And truth be told, I am actually not that bad at it. I’m pretty sure there’s room for improvement nonetheless.

But texting with both thumbs seems a little ambitious.