How to deal with preachers? (not the religious kind!)
By ahgong
@ahgong (10064)
Singapore
January 21, 2009 9:31am CST
Preachers
Out of so many people who you chat with, there are bound to be someone who will love to tell you about their experiences and how you can learn from them.
Out of ten sentences spoken, you will definitely hear phases like "you should do this...", "You should have...", "You shouldn't..."... etc.
These kind of people will always think the world of themselves. Putting themselves on aI-know-better-than-thou air. They will always be looking down on others, thinking they are below them. Some of them can also be pretty cocky and snobbish.
In their eyes, only they know best. No one else knows better than he does. Only he is qualified to tell people about things. To teach them the "proper" way to get things done.
How to deal with them?
When you meet with such people, if you are not in a hurry to go anywhere, it is always good to listen to what "advice" they have to dispense. Agree with him every once in a while where appropriate. That way, you will not offend anyone.
There is no way to make them think otherwise to what they "already know" is the right way.
Arguing with them is only a waste of time and breath.
If you are in a hurry, well, find and excuse to get out of the lengthy preach session that is about to happen! 
3 people like this
6 responses
@soundfreak22nd (475)
• Malaysia
21 Jan 09
the best preacher i know is my own mum. haha! and i've been dealing with her my whole life. she's ok because she's my mum and she knows me my whole life. but i can't stand it if get preaches from others who i barely know. they just spoil my mood.
1 person likes this
@soundfreak22nd (475)
• Malaysia
22 Jan 09
i just nod and give them a smile. but i shut my ears down not listening to what they really say. or maybe look away and dont give them eye contact trying to change the topic!
1 person likes this
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
23 Jan 09
hehe.. The word, 'should' sounds a bit strong here huh.. lol =D YEah, i do admit i did use such words before, but my attitude is not like what u have mentioned of 'knowing it all'.. BUt rather, i share because i have been through it, and survive.. Thus, it's more or less a recommendation for them.. hehe ^_^
Though there are ple whom really like to be those Mr 'know it all', but it's quite easy to differentiate them.. hehe ^_^ As u mentioned, those Mr 'know it all' will never accept 2nd opinion, but for those reallt meant to share, they will take into account of everything and think of a best way out for others ^_^ hehe
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
23 Jan 09
I guess we all want to share our experience one time or another.
But if that advise is not welcome, we become preachers ourselves.
Sometimes it is hard not to want to share. Cos when you walked on the road of thorns before, you wouldn't want the people you love to walk on the same road of thorns to learn the lesson you learnt.
But most times, these "ADVISE" falls on deaf ears. And in the process, we became preachers.
I know what you mean Kun. I know exactly what you mean!
I know what you mean Kun. I know exactly what you mean! 1 person likes this
@Phlamingho (7825)
• Denmark
21 Jan 09
Or just tell the person so shut up and keep his or her opinions to themself. :) If it's a stranger, then who cares... if it's someone you know - well maybe it's time to get new friends.
1 person likes this
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
22 Jan 09
for me, the preaching usually comes from relatives. they'll give all sorts of strange advice based on their own life experiences. some times i'll listen, some times i'll just tune off. it's pretty hard listening to advices that doesn't apply to me.
thankfully i don't have people like this as friends. i had a couple of them as colleagues but i avoid them like the plague. lol
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
22 Jan 09
Yeah... most of the preachers in my life are relatives too.
And they are usually the ones that are older. And out of respect, we have to sit thru the preaching session. Regardless of whether the preached topic is relevant or not.
Like I mentioned in a previous post, when I get to that age, and I start to preach, I sure hope that the same due respect will be accorded to me.
1 person likes this
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
22 Jan 09
yes yes the elders usually preach more. hopefully when i'm that age i'll not be like that. everyone's situation is different and all we can do is just provide our view on the matter.
1 person likes this
