[Zen888]

Hi

I know someone w/ a strong type A personality and have a VERY difficult time relating to this person. I don't talk about anything in-depth with this person because this person has to be right everytime or this person gets angry trying to prove that you are wrong or weird.

Suggestions? Comments?

[AlteredState01]

Wow, sounds like my boyfriend...

Let me think about how I handle that - I use so many different techniques - not all of which are very effective, but most do confound him enough to make him stop (until, of course, the next issue comes up...)

My favourite for sure, is the "I'm really enjoying the spectacle you are making of yourself" look!

Actually, that one works on me, too, when I go into type "A" behaviour!

[WinterRose]

When I've been around people like that, I usually start backing away and share less and less because I get tired of it. I know that's not really constructive though. It doesn't assist either of us. Luckily this doesn't happen too often. I wonder what happens when I get in that mood? I think people just kind of let me go on and on while they move on to other things and just drop it. I try to keep an eye out so I don't behave that way though.

[Liberada]

I'm new here and still don't know much about anything. No where near enough to be helpful...

But MY DH gets like that. His word is gosple.
But when I know I can prove him wrong I DO! He gets to eat crow and I get to serve him up a big plate of it!

[AlteredState01]

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When I've been around people like that, I usually start backing away and share less and less because I get tired of it. I know that's not really constructive though

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What do you mean? That is very constructive!! If one doesn't take the hint...

(then again, some of us need to be told)!

[AlteredState01]

Um, a question? If you disagree to such an extent, are your views just as extreme as his?

Honestly, it really depends on how much I respect the person with this type of personality. Some people are type A, because they are truly intelligent enough to be type A. That is not saying they are always right. Most of the time, it is because they are not sensitive enough for us. After all, if you believed something whole-heartedly, would you not fight to the death, so to speak?

I tried thinking about what I do in these situations. What I came up with, for me, was that the majority of the things that he will not compromise on are the things that he has great(er) knowledge in, compared to me. On the other hand, ego plays a big part in type A people. For ones that are truly intelligent, they are often forced into deeper and deeper explanations (and sometimes, it can go far beyond what can comprehend anyway, making it even more difficult to understand).

Some, of course, just have no fear whatsoever! That is cool in it's own right, too, because one could look at it as being solid in their beliefs. A quality rare in this day and age (even if it is misguided).

As long as it is not demanded that I HAVE to believe all that he is saying, then I am pretty much ok with that (unless, of course, it totally goes against my personal belief system).

If I cannot accept, in any way, his point of view, then I doubt he could remain my friend for very long. Like-minded ones attract each other - even when opinions seem to be opposite!

If it becomes a real drag and it is bringings one down, then it is probably not a good fit anyway, or it is just too much for one to really want to deal with (some people are just TOO MUCH)!

Personally, my opposite really is not that opposite. We always seem to be saying the same thing - it just takes alot of debating to finally realize we are actually agreeing with each other. He comes from a purely logical/mathematical realm whereas I come from the purely emotional/spiritual/fantiasical realm when we first begin any discussion.

It's really mind expanding when one gives time and effort to really understand what the other is trying to say...sometimes

AS