Are you Contrary or Obstinate?

Several months ago, my son had spent the day with his grandparents. That evening when we went to get him, he had clearly worn them down with his usual argumentative nature. His grandpa finally asked:

"Well, are you contrary, or obstinate?"

" I'm NOT contrary!"

I think he doesn't realize how much he argues. He gets in trouble in school because he insists that he is right. (I don't know where he gets that from!) It is for this reason why he was put in all night time out last week, and why he almost got it again last night!

So, this morning, I said "I am going to put a mark on a piece of paper for every time you argue. How would that be?"

"Mom... I'm NOT arguing!"

I think it's going to be another long night at our home tonight. *sigh*