It’s so frustrating when you’re dealing with someone who never takes responsibility for their faults. When something goes wrong, they either blame everyone else or they play the victim card. To show them that you’re onto what they’re doing, here are 15 comebacks for people who are always denying their mistakes.
1. “I see you’ve reached ‘perfect human’ level. How does it feel up there?”
To deal with your frustration about how the person doesn’t ever see their faults, a sarcastic comment like this one can help to express what you’re feeling. It draws attention to how they’re trying to avoid their mistakes because it points out their unrealistic behavior. They’re behaving as though they’re perfect, which is ridiculous. So, this comeback subtly prompts the person to reflect on their actions.
2. “You’re the expert, I suppose.”
This is another sarcastic comment that highlights the person’s avoidance of their mistakes. By calling them an expert, it calls attention to their overconfidence. Usually, people who always think they’re right try to deflect attention away from themselves. So, this comeback shifts the focus onto their unwillingness to see that they’re wrong without directly confronting them. The latter doesn’t work with people who avoid responsibility because they lack self-reflection and tend to become defensive when confronted.
3. “Are you allergic to apologies?”
If someone in your life never says they’re sorry when they’ve done something insulting, you’re going to want to confront their behavior. You can do this by saying something like, “Are you allergic to apologies?” This statement contains some humor to defuse the tension, while being phrased as a question that will put them on the spot. If they’re stubborn about thinking they’re always right and others are wrong, this will force them to think about their behavior.
4. “Your confidence is sky-high, but what about your self-awareness?”
This comeback simultaneously points the person’s over-confidence and their lack of self-awareness. So, it brings attention to the gap between how they perceive themselves and how they’re actually behaving with others. Although it’s quite direct and can be insulting to the person on the receiving end of it, it encourages introspection to make them more aware of how they’re being rude to others by not accepting responsibility.
5. “Are you training for the ‘Never wrong’ Olympics?”
This comeback works well during an argument with someone who refuses to acknowledge their mistakes or wrongdoings. It’s witty and funny, while pointing out the person’s extreme perfectionist tendencies. It’s basically saying that their perfectionistic attitude has become a competitive sport, which is causing excessive stress and anxiety, such as in the form of arguments. By thinking they’re never wrong, the person isn’t seeing their mistakes as opportunities for growth. Instead, they’re seeing them as a threat to their competence.
6. “Don’t you think mistakes are great teachers?”
Some people who struggle with facing up to their mistakes have a strong need to be in control, due to a lack of self-esteem. So, to deal with them, a comeback such as this one helps them to see that making mistakes can be beneficial. For example, by encouraging self-improvement and growth. Framing the statement as a question helps to make the person reflect on their actions, instead of feel attacked.
7. “Where did you buy a mirror that only shows your best side?”
This statement is funny and witty, while having the depth of highlighting the person’s cognitive dissonance. They’re trying hard to maintain a positive self-image by ignoring their negative traits, but it’s causing internal conflict and straining their relationships. If they always think they’re perfect or right, giving them this comeback will point out their lack of self-awareness.
8. “I guess you’re right. You’re always right, or am I wrong?”
This comeback carries a sarcastic tone, while highlighting feelings of frustration with the person who’s trying your patience. It’s used to humorously point out that they’re frequently asserting their correctness without considering your perspectives. Asking the person, “Am I wrong?” lets them tell you what they think. By putting them on the spot, they’re likely to backtrack, realizing that they’re coming across as self-righteous.
9. “Even though you don’t need it, can I give you some feedback?”
It can sometimes feel challenging to get through to someone who doesn’t see their mistakes and isn’t open to constructive feedback. If you want to give them feedback that will help them improve, this comeback works by starting with, “Even though you don’t need it.” It avoids conflict and approaches the stubborn person peacefully, which will make them more open to listening to you.
10. “I guess you must’ve had something to do with it, right?”
Some people who struggle to face their mistakes will always throw the blame onto someone else. A comeback like this works to help the person open their mind to the possibility that they’re at least partly to blame for whatever went wrong. It’s a gentle approach without causing tension or making them become defensive. But, it also serves to let them know that they can’t BS you with their lies or denial.
11. “If you don’t mind, should we check the facts?”
Someone who’s trying to come across as perfect won’t be able to handle you calling their faults into question. This comeback helps to encourage self-reflection and awareness. Checking the facts of the situation means that they can’t hide from their mistakes anymore. They’re being put on the spot and if they try to avoid the evidence you have against them, it’s a red flag that they’re delusional about their behavior.
12. “I appreciate your perspective, but…”
Giving the person an empathetic response is a good move to encourage a bit of harmony in the relationship/conversation. Telling them that you appreciate their perspective on the issue shows that you’re willing to keep an open mind. Adding the “but” implies that you also want to share your thoughts, which might contradict what they’re saying. So, you might say, “I appreciate your perspective, but I don’t agree that your boss/partner/friend is to blame for your mistake.”
13. “Why do you think that?”
Instead of criticizing someone for being stubborn about their views, it’s more constructive to ask them questions about why they hold those views. For example, if your friend’s complaining that they lost their job because of their difficult boss, asking them why they think or believe that can help you suss out their thought patterns. By pushing the person to articulate their thought process, this can reveal gaps in their logic or knowledge that they might not have considered.
14. “Okay.”
Although this can be a passive-aggressive response because you might not feel that the person’s mistake-avoiding behavior is “okay,” it’s sometimes the best option if you’re dealing with someone who always wants to be right, and it’s draining you. If they’re more interested in talking than listening to your point of view, you don’t want to waste your breath on trying to make them see the light. Let them know that you’re ending then conversation and walking away.
15. “I see it differently, but let’s agree to disagree.”
If you can’t seem to get through to someone who’s always avoiding blame for their mistakes, another approach is to say, “Let’s agree to disagree.” This comeback takes the high road, respecting the diversity of your different opinions so you can move on from the situation, hopefully with less tension in your interactions.
