Hi, I’m Chris, and I’m a recovering contrariot. For years, I thrived on taking contrarian stances just for the thrill of it. Was the sky really blue? Probably not.
Did dinosaurs exist? Debatable. And don’t get me started on gravity—it’s clearly just a “theory.” I didn’t argue to be right; I argued to oppose.
Now, I’ve started the journey toward balance, learning how to question without dismissing, challenge without derailing, and think critically without always taking the opposing side. Ask me anything about my time as a contrariot or my path to recovery!
Q: What was your most ridiculous contrarian belief?
Oh, there were many. But the one I really went all-in on was insisting that breakfast foods were a government conspiracy to control our eating habits. “Why can’t I have lasagna at 8 a.m.?” I’d ask dramatically. People thought I was joking. I wasn’t.
Q: What made you realize you were a contrariot?
When I found myself arguing against my own opinion just because someone agreed with me. That’s when it hit me—I wasn’t debating ideas; I was addicted to opposition.
Q: How did your friends and family handle it?
Patiently, but with a lot of eye-rolling. My brother once bet me $20 I couldn’t go a single day without arguing. I lost before breakfast.
Q: What’s the hardest part of recovery?
Resisting the urge to flip a conversation upside down. If someone says, “The weather’s great today,” I have to fight the instinct to say, “Actually, sunny days are overrated.”
Q: Do you still question things?
Absolutely! The difference is, now I ask questions to learn, not to disrupt. It’s about curiosity, not chaos.
Q: Any advice for current contrariots?
Ask yourself: Are you arguing because you care about the topic, or because it’s fun to disagree? If it’s the latter, take a breath. Sometimes, agreeing—or just listening—is more rewarding.
Recovery isn’t easy, but life’s a lot more enjoyable when you’re not flipping every conversation on its head. If you’re a contrariot or know one, feel free to ask me anything—I promise not to argue. Probably. 😊
Contrariot.com 