The dude who bothers me.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (224751)
Walnut Creek, California
March 20, 2025 11:04am CST
Several years ago, I wrote about Peter, the teacher at Guitar Center who sometimes rubs me wrong. He was trying to "steal" students, and he thinks he knows how to play every song. He also tries to dominate musical conversations. The rest of us (teachers) discuss music and listen to (and learn from) each other.
Yesterday, I was in the middle of a lesson with a little girl who wanted to learn to play "She's Just a Girl," or "I'm Just a Girl" or some such. It's an inane dance tune by some female musician I have never listened to. I asked my "lessons lead" (a chill dude) if he could play a bit of it on his cell phone so I could figure out the chords and teach them to my student on piano (her instrument).
Suddenly Peter, who didn't have a student at the time, was all up in my face, playing a guitar lead to the tune. I actually "stood up" and shooed him away. The chill dude played the song, and I (secretly) rolled my eyes and figured out the chords, which I then taught to my student.
Have you ever had to deal with a "know it all" at work?
I'll attach a photo of our kids after the latest "Showcase." Peter is the adult to the right in the photo.
Oh, and maybe I'll attach my most recent music video. Peter is one of those dudes who makes that song pop into my mind.
Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
16 people like this
12 responses
@arunima25 (89421)
• Bangalore, India
20 Mar
Glad that you stood up and shooed him away. But I am sure that they don't learn their lesson so quickly, he will be back soon to rub you the wrong way. I keep coming across such know it all people and it annoys me to the core.
5 people like this
@noni1959 (10314)
• United States
20 Mar
Before retirement, there was a coworker who knew everything (and didn't.) She wondered why no one invited her to lunch, on breaks and avoided her. I overheard her tell our boss she is always there for us and yet avoided. His response to her was to just do her job and not ours. She didn't take that into consideration so we had to be vocal with her. Usually, it's their own insecurity.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (224751)
• Walnut Creek, California
20 Mar
I wonder if he has seen it. I wonder if he would realize that it applies to him. The woman I wrote the Moth Song for probably does not know it's about her. Heh.
Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (49035)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
21 Mar
I wondered whatever happened to that guy... you hadn't mentioned him lately.
I'm guessing the kids are holding their "diplomas".
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (113501)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Mar
@TheHorse I will ignore them as much as possible. They are never going to be wrong according to them.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (224751)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 Mar
@wolfgirl569 It's odd how resistant they are to new information. It means they don't really learn. It's the sme in politics.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (224751)
• Walnut Creek, California
20 Mar
At least he knows something. But I might avoid him too. It's is especially annoying when the self-proclaimed experts don't really know what they are talking about. Or know just enough to sound smart or informed until you press them a bit.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (186915)
• United States
21 Mar
You should make a remark to pals in front of Peter saying something like Those who really know it all, do n't have to work so hard to show they do or words to that effect...maybe that will cool his jets a bit If he's so smart, why does he work so hard to prove it?
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (172627)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Mar
Yes, I have. They really tend to raffle my feathers too. But, over the years I have come to the conclusion that they must have had a sad childhood. This possibility doesn't make them any easy to bare but it seems to ease my ruffled feathers. People drive me crazy on a nearly daily basis anyway.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (184882)
• United States
21 Mar
There's always a know-it-all wherever you go. My husband's 2nd cousin is like that.
1 person likes this
@sw8sincere (5554)
• Philippines
21 Mar
Ugh, that sounds frustrating! It’s hard when someone just can’t let others have a moment to learn or share. I’ve definitely had my share of “know-it-alls” at work. It’s always a balancing act between trying to keep the peace and standing your ground! I bet your student appreciated you getting those chords down though. And looking forward to seeing that music video! 
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (224751)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Mar
@sw8sincere I am glad I can walk away in this situation.
@sw8sincere (5554)
• Philippines
21 Mar
@TheHorse So true! Knowing when to push and when to let go is the real challenge 
.
.1 person likes this
@Dreamerby (7326)
• Calcutta, India
20 Mar
I just heard your song for the first time! I didn't know you sang; you have a wonderful voice! I thought you only played the guitar.
1 person likes this
