Right'sHubris

If feels just so darned good to be right, huh?

When, after the debate, the comparing of data, the argumentation of "the facts," our declaration of position, it is so gratifying to have "won" in the arena of comparative analytics.

Time, then, to break out the champagne, to celebrate our rightness, to take that victory lap, to high-five our alike thinkers.

There's a gnawing problem, however.  I can't remember a single time that I've proudly and bombastically proven someone else wrong that has paid long-lasting benefits when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship with that other.

Please don't misunderstand.  It's okay to make a reasoned case, to state our position, to be clear about our beliefs, to joust in the arena of ideas.  It's just not helpful (now or in the future) to make other people feel less for not sharing our position.