Slight Family Quandry

[CeciliaW]

Ok, the short version, a friend of the family, that I have to see and/or socialize with two to three times a year, because she's important to a close family member, has started spouting all sorts of 'Prophecy' stuff.

I suppose I could be more PC about it but basically she's starting to sound really deranged and she seems to totally believe in and almost welcome 'the end times'.

I know that one option would be to just ignore this person, keep my mouth shut and/or try to be civil. But what do you do when they insist on engaging you?

There doesn't seem to be any way to balance this 'conversation' with logic.

Any ideas?

Cecilia

[ApatheticNoMore]

I don't belive that the end times are coming and I don't want to talk about it?

[sweetana3]

I have a friend who was talking taxes and fraud and I clearly looked at her and told her I dont talk about that. I think I added another sentence along the line of "what you do is your decision" or something like it. I must have been firm since she listened and doesn't talk to me about those things any longer. (she asked her dad and he told her the same thing.)

It is more about being clear, firm, and repeating if necessary. I can see "I prefer to remain positive and enjoy my life, and I wont talk about how or when it might end." But you have to look her in the eye and be clear. It may have to be repeated and she may draw away but you cannot change her only she can.

[puglogic]

Good suggestions above, especially the wonderfully acerbic ANM :D

It takes two to engage. If you are trying to "balance" the conversation, you are engaging, trying to make some change in her, or at least in her behavior.

And I agree: you do have to be brave, look her right in the eye, and be very clear. Or you have to continue to put up with it. This sounds like a person who really doesn't add much (but stress) to your life, so if you end up seeing her less, well, good.

Good luck!

[pinkytoe]

I don't belive that the end times are coming and I don't want to talk about it?
DH sometimes listens to a bit too much Alex Jones garbage and I always remind him when he starts in that I don't wish to look at the world that way.
Lately, I just change the subject. He knows better now.