Being right feels great for ten minutes. Being close to people lasts.

Winning an argument gives a short, sharp satisfaction and leaves the other person a little further away. The trade is usually a bad one, since the relationship is what you will still be using next year while nobody remembers who was correct about the detail. Being right has a very short payout.

In your next disagreement, decide before you start whether you want the point or the person. If you notice yourself gathering evidence instead of listening, say plainly what you want out of the conversation.