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How to deal with low IQ traders/bashers 2 of 3

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1

Avoid controversial topics. If you want to deal with dumb people in the moment, then you should avoid anything that can upset them, make them angry, or make them start a crusade to prove that you're wrong. If you know that this person is pretty stupid and has pretty stupid opinions, then why bother talking about something serious -- which may mean a lot to you. Just stick to the pleasantries, ("Hi, how are you?") if you have to be around the person on a regular basis, and don't bother getting into the highly-debatable topics.

• Even if you know this person has stupid opinions on controversial topics and you just want to "get him," avoid the temptation. It's not worth it -- not for you or your blood pressure.

2

Kill 'em with kindness. If a person is acting exceptionally dumb, then chances are, being nice to that person may be the last thing on your mind. Which is precisely why you should act as nice as possible. If you're as nice as possible, then the behavior will disarm and possibly confuse the dumb person, leaving him or her with little to do but be nice back and to stop being so darn stupid. If you're rude, condescending, or even mean, then that will encourage the person to continue to be as dumb as possible. Just grit your teeth and be nice, no matter how much it hurts, and the dumb person will start to annoy you much less.

• Remember that it's much easier to be kind and polite than to be mean and nasty. Being mean is bad for your spirit and stress levels, and you're doing your own mental well-being a favor by being as nice as much as you can.

3

Stay away from pointless debates. This is related to avoiding controversial topics. If the dumb person happens to bring up a controversial topic and proceeds to share his particularly dumb opinion on the matter, resist the urge to jump in and prove that person wrong. Be polite, say something like, "You're entitled to your opinion," or "How interesting," without mentioning that you completely disagree. Then, change the topic or excuse yourself.

• There's absolutely no point in engaging in a debate with a dumb person, even if you think it'll make you feel temporarily relieved.

4

Keep your emotions in check. Stupid people are professionals at making other people upset or enraged. But from now on, you won't let stupid people get to you like this -- there's simply no point. If you want to be the dominant person in the conversation, then you have to keep your cool; being in control of your emotions is smart. You don't want to end up looking like the stupid one just because you couldn't stay in control of your feelings.

• Be patient. It may take a little longer for a dumb person to get it. Don't get angry and frustrated right away -- give the person a chance.
• If you feel yourself getting upset at something the person is saying, just chant this person is stupid, this person is stupid, this person is stupid in your head as much as necessary until you realize there's no point in caring so much about what this person is saying.
• If you find yourself getting angry, count backwards from fifty, count your breaths, or excuse yourself to go for a walk -- do whatever you can to calm down before you have to face the person again -- if you have to face the person at all.
• Don't give a dumb person the satisfaction of knowing that he or she can have so much power over you. If he sees that he has such a strong effect on you, then he will feel like the smarter person.

5

Ask them to clarify their opinions with facts. If you're really frustrated with a dumb person, then you can make him or her stop talking by asking him to support his opinion. It's likely that this person has a lot of silly ideas that he or she can't back up. Asking him or her to do so will often stop him in his tracks and will keep the conversation from escalating. Here are some polite things to say to make the person stop talking:.^[3]

• "Oh, really? Where did you read that?"
• "Are you basing your ideas off of the article in the New York Times last week? Because it actually seemed to say the opposite..."
• "How interesting. Do you know what percentage of people are actually like this?"
• "How fascinating that you have such strong opinions on California. How much time have you spent there? You must have lived there for a while to form such a compelling perspective about it."

6

Ignore them if there's no better option. Though ignoring people is pretty rude and immature, there are some cases where this is the best option. If you're in a group, for example, and don't want to leave the social interaction just because of one dumb person, you can just act like the person isn't there, or not respond to any of his comments. Chances are, if his opinions are really so stupid, that someone else will step up to bat -- or better yet, that other people will ignore him, too.

• If the person addresses you with a dumb comment, just smile and act like he said something pleasant instead of engaging with him.
• Though ignoring a dumb person isn't exactly taking the high road, it's a great way to keep a dumb person from talking to you.

7

Walk away whenever you can. Walking away is a fantastic option whenever it's possible. Of course, you can't just walk away from a dumb boss unless you want to put your job in jeopardy, you can certainly walk away from a dumb person who is yelling at you at the grocery store, or leave a situation where a dumb person is just trying to annoy you. Walking away is also a great way to make yourself calm down if you're starting to feel yourself getting angry.

• Just say, "Excuse me, I have to get going," if the dumb person is more reasonable, or walk away without saying anything if there's no point in explaining yourself.