Poirot’s know-it-all attitude even irritates his best friend, Hastings, from time to time. In “The Million Dollar Bond Robbery,” Hastings says, “Good Lord, Poirot! Do you know, I’d give a considerable sum of money to see you make a thorough ass of yourself—just for once. You’re so confoundedly conceited!”
Poirot replies, “Do not enrage yourself, Hastings. In verity, I observe that there are times when you almost detest me! Alas, I suffer the penalties of greatness!”
He follows his reply with a comical sigh, which makes Hastings laugh.
There is no person on this planet who doesn’t occasionally get annoying. That’s why we need best friends. They forgive our imperfections, and they make us laugh.