Arrogance vs. Obstinance

Attribute	Arrogance	Obstinance
Definition	Excessive pride or self-importance	Refusal to change one's opinion or course of action
Behavior	Haughty, condescending, dismissive	Stubborn, unyielding, inflexible
Attitude	Believing oneself to be superior to others	Refusing to compromise or listen to others
Impact on relationships	Can alienate others and create resentment	Can lead to conflicts and breakdown in communication

Definition

Arrogance and obstinance are two negative traits that can often be confused with each other. Arrogance is defined as an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims. It is characterized by a sense of self-importance and a lack of regard for others. On the other hand, obstinance is defined as the quality of being stubborn or refusing to change one's opinion or course of action despite being presented with valid arguments or evidence to the contrary.

Behavior

Individuals who exhibit arrogance often display a sense of entitlement and believe that they are inherently better than others. They may talk down to people, dismiss their opinions, and refuse to consider alternative viewpoints. Arrogant individuals may also be quick to criticize others and take credit for their accomplishments. In contrast, obstinate individuals are characterized by their refusal to budge from their position, even when faced with overwhelming evidence that contradicts their beliefs. They may dig in their heels and become defensive when challenged, making it difficult to have a productive conversation with them.

Impact on Relationships

Arrogant individuals can be off-putting to others, as their condescending attitude can create a barrier to forming meaningful connections. People may feel belittled or disrespected in the presence of someone who exudes arrogance, leading to strained relationships and a lack of trust. On the other hand, obstinate individuals can be frustrating to deal with in relationships, as their unwillingness to compromise or see things from another perspective can lead to conflict and resentment. It can be challenging to find common ground with someone who refuses to consider alternative viewpoints.

Communication Style

Arrogant individuals tend to dominate conversations and steer them towards topics that highlight their own achievements or knowledge. They may interrupt others, talk over them, or dismiss their contributions in order to assert their superiority. This can create a toxic dynamic in communication, where one person's voice is constantly elevated above others. In contrast, obstinate individuals may shut down communication altogether when faced with opposing viewpoints. They may become defensive, argumentative, or dismissive, making it difficult to have a constructive dialogue or reach a resolution.

Openness to Feedback

Arrogant individuals often struggle to accept feedback or criticism, as they believe they are always right and above reproach. They may become defensive or dismissive when confronted with their shortcomings, making it challenging to provide them with constructive feedback. On the other hand, obstinate individuals may be more open to feedback but resistant to implementing any changes based on that feedback. They may acknowledge that there are areas for improvement but refuse to take action to address them, leading to a cycle of stagnation and frustration.

Adaptability

Arrogant individuals may struggle with adaptability, as their sense of superiority can prevent them from seeing the need for change or growth. They may be resistant to new ideas or ways of doing things, believing that their way is always the best way. This can hinder their personal and professional development, as they may miss out on opportunities for growth and innovation. In contrast, obstinate individuals may be adaptable in some areas but rigid in others. They may be open to change in certain aspects of their lives but refuse to budge on core beliefs or values, leading to inconsistency in their behavior.

Conclusion

While arrogance and obstinance share some similarities, such as a resistance to change and a lack of consideration for others, they are distinct traits with different manifestations and impacts. Arrogance is characterized by a sense of superiority and entitlement, while obstinance is marked by stubbornness and an unwillingness to compromise. Both traits can be detrimental to relationships and communication, but in different ways. It is important to be aware of these traits in ourselves and others in order to foster healthy relationships and effective communication.