1️⃣ Order for both of you. Don’t ask, don’t explain. Two simple cappuccinos. Then wait. 2️⃣ If he immediately snaps: “Why did you decide for me? Maybe I don’t even like that coffee!” This isn’t about taste—it’s about emotional stability. A man who panics or takes offense over a $5 drink isn’t grounded. If a small choice rattles him, imagine what real stress will do. 3️⃣ If he calmly corrects you: “Thanks, but I usually take it black—mind if I swap?” This is confidence without aggression. He can

20 Phrases That Gracefully Disarm an Inflated Ego \t1.\t“That’s one way to see it.” - Keeps you composed while subtly dissolving their need to be right. \t2.\t“Confidence doesn’t need volume.” – A calm reminder that presence speaks louder than projection. \t3.\t“You seem really invested in proving that.” – Gently spotlights their emotional overreach. \t4.\t“I trust actions more than words.” – Shifts focus from performance to substance. \t5.\t“You don’t need to prove anything to me.” – Neutralize