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Navigating interactions with combative or compliant individuals

The Mercury

|

February 17, 2026

YOU have met people who seem naturally combative, where every interaction is an argument waiting to happen.

- ROD SMITH

If you point it out, you may get, “So, what's your point? You have a problem with that?”

For some, their goal is to fault-find, to criticise. Nothing is ever right or good, let alone perfect. If you draw attention to this proclivity, you may get, “Someone has to keep things on track. Why have you left it up to me?”

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