Top Dog, Underdog

by Martha Beck

The "I Can Fix You" Frenzy

Another typical know-it-all behavior is to insist on solving your problems for you, even if you don't want them solved or, in fact, see them as problems. Fixer know-it-alls will persist in making recommendations the way a Chihuahua might persist in making amorous advances to your leg. Here's how they operate:

Know-it-all: Hey, you look a little down in the dumps. What's wrong?

Ordinary person: I'm really all right. It's just that I've been visiting my parents, and they're getting old and sick, and it got me thinking about age and mortality and the impermanence of everything.

Know-it-all: You know, I used to worry about those things, too, until I started getting colonics. Have you tried that?

Ordinary person: Oh, I don't think I need—

Know-it-all: You've got to. Hey, tell you what—I'll call my favorite hose attendant right now. We'll get you hooked up later this afternoon. Ha ha! Hooked up! Get it?

Ordinary person: Really, thanks but no thanks. I—

Know-it-all: And if that doesn't work, we'll go line dancing!

Be forewarned that courtesy will not work on a fixer know-it-all. If you plan to have a conversation with one, you should carry a spray can of mace. Which brings us to the instructional part of this article…