Here’s some good advice for readers who have to deal with rude, arrogant, argumentative types. These could be colleagues, associates, bosses or neighbours. Never say “just shut your gob you annoying creep”, “go away you pathetic turd-wart”, “do you really think I’m going to stand for that you ridiculous, ignorant __________________” [censored] even if this is exactly what you are thinking.

Instead, learn to let them rant and make fools of themselves in the process. Learn to remain controlled and – even when they are at their rudest and most arrogant (for example: when professing more expertise than they actually have while rubbishing yours) – remain reasonable and cling to the moral high ground – even if you do this in a manner akin to a rat on a sinking ship.

The Benefits of the Wilma Proops Approach to Solving this Problem

Why take this approach? Because that is the most annoying to them and while you are drawing their fire others are getting off lightly. Also, it can be fun!

Other measures you can adopt with rude arrogant people are:

Ignore them completely – not to be advised because they are likely to come back next time ruder and more arrogant, either to you or a more vulnerable colleague or member of your on or offline community.

Report them to their line manager – this can work but be warned it can act like a rattle of a cage or, worse, the poking of an angry wasps’ nest.

Take them on in a pacifist duel! To do this all you have to do is prove that they are not superior and you are at least their equal.

Wilma Proops is the infamous Agony Aunt to the Stars. Read more about her approach to problem solving on her blog, which she doesn’t bother to keep up to date, HERE