One of my biggest pet peeves has always been ‘know-it-alls’.  I used to abhor people who felt the need to tell me what to do and how to do it because their way was supposedly superior to my own.  It would burn me up inside and I would always make it a point to push back and do everything I could in an effort to prove them wrong. However, the back and forth was exhausting and ultimately we both simply ended up looking like fools. “Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.” Proverbs 18:2 MSG

It always felt like the ‘know-it-alls’ were trying to control me.  However, I have learned that there is a lot more to a ‘know-it-all’ than meets the eye.  A lot of it stems from insecurity on their part, but there are some who simply want to be heard for once.  So I am now of the opinion, what does it really hurt to allow them to have their ‘know-it-all’ moment?  Does it really cost me anything to sit back and listen to someone tell me something I already know?  Is there any real harm in allowing someone to feel like they are guiding me when I already know where I am going?  Especially when it comes to your loved ones; it is simply who they are so why not accept it?

It was probably my own insecurities that had me opposing the ‘know-it-alls’ that crossed my path.  Maybe I had to be the only ‘know-it-all’ in the mix, who knows.  For whatever reason, I am certainly glad I have outgrown that type of mentality.  It really is a waste of energy to constantly challenge individuals who feel like they are helping you.  I have no qualms about sitting back and listening to unsolicited advice that I may or may not take to heart.  I now respectfully listen and then I quietly come to a decision that I believe is in my best interest.  It saves a lot of time, headaches, petty arguments and frustration.

I have always been a very contrary person, but the older I get, the more I realize this is not a big deal to me.  It is so much easier just to sit back, allow the ‘know-it-all’ to have their moment and respectfully accept that this is just a part of their personality.  You are never going to change them, so why bother trying?

Self preservation is the key to everything in my world right now.  There are so many things I formally expended a lot of energy on, that are simply not worth my time.  Let me leave you with this thought:  Why not embrace all personalities, nurture the needs of those you love no matter how irritating, since it doesn’t cost you anything?  Because really, what does it hurt?

~ Mara Prose