As the title says, how often do you admit you’re wrong? Is it different when it’s a factual dispute versus something more subjective?

I make an effort to concede early if I’m in error. I think because my mother almost never admits fault. She’ll fall back to “that’s not what I meant” or similar deflections first, and that’s really annoying.

The last big factual error I made was about the distance of walking, and that’s where I learned about Taxicab Geometry ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab_geometry ).

I think some people believe admitting fault is a sign of weakness, but I find it’s more of a power move. It takes strength to do it, and people can tell when you’re sweating and desperate. Usually it leads to resolving the conflict faster and cheaper, too.

(I expect some people will feel the urge to reply they’re never wrong. I’ll file that under never admits fault.)

  • RBWells
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    20 hours ago

    Whenever I am wrong. So pretty often, since I learn best by making mistakes.

    ETA I do get defensive when someone is mean about it. With my ex it was harder because he mocked relentlessly and though he could dish it, could not take it. Nice in plenty of ways but so mean in others. With husband now, and at every job I’ve had, it’s no big deal.