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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong


It's not her fault. She inherited the disease, as I have inherited it from my mother.

Yesterday was first full day of vacation in which I got to spend an entire day with my two wonderful kids. It confirmed a suspicion that's been on my mind for a few months now. Alexandria has got a terrible case of "know-it-all" disease.

Some of you might have it and not know it. Here's a quick test.

1) Can you relate to Hermione Granger? You know the Harry Potter character who always corrects her male counterparts? Who has her hand raised high in class, sitting on the edge of her seat, hoping desperately to be called upon?
2) Do you have a strong urge to correct incorrect use of spoken or written grammar? Or, do you actually correct usage of grammar to anyone other than your children?(If you actually do this, no doubt you have it.)
3) Does it pain you to hear a piece of factual information delivered erroneously?4) Do you believe you have the memory of an elephant?
5) Have you ever argued about splitting infinitives?

If you answered affirmatively to any of these, you probably carry the disease. Truly, it's not a terrible disease to have, but for obvious reasons one must learn to manage it! It takes a lot of practice to learn to keep your mouth shut, but in the end it makes for better friendships. It's especially a helpful marriage tool.

I also like to use the, "Oh, I must be mistaken. I was thinking..." strategy. It doesn't really matter if the other party realizes his or her mistake. At least you were able to speak a piece of your correct mind.

Anyway, I'd love to hear it from you know-it-alls out there! What techniques do you use?

P.S. Don't you love the picture of Alex above? She looks baffled by this blue Lego man -- a look she doesn't typically display

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