Dealing with my son’s girlfriend

[Mojochi]

When someone starts talking weirdo stuff, crazy politics, etc., just nod, smile, and say ‘You know, you just might be right!’…

I actually prefer "Would t'were it so", because someone spouting nonsense will have no idea what that means, & usually takes it as agreeable.

Just say "Wow, that's crazy" and go about your day like I do with my coworkers.

That's a good one too, but I try to avoid the C word. It sometimes doesn't land right

 

[Nombrecomun]

The strangest thing is she goes on about not putting poisons into her body (ie vaccines, fluoride) but she is usually having a cigarette when she is telling me this. I don’t say anything.

Ughhh...one of those people.

I had friends who wouldn't put salt in food because it was bad for you and food had enough salt in it. Nothing wrong with this idea but yeah....they would say that while smoking.

As others have said, ignoring is best and perhaps added to that is to limit your exposure to her. I'm assuming they live nearby that they are part of your lives so what about trying to find some time to spend with your son alone? Not to talk to him about his gf. Just to spend time with your son.

I second(third?) the idea of not engaging with her tempting as it may be. Folks like that THRIVE on those antagonistic emotions. Who knows what she may be angling at and, as others have said, it puts your son in a difficult situation. Learning some patterned responses will help tremendously.

 

[Delta Vega]

Just say "That's nice dear, what did you say again?"

 

[Australis]

It does have a cooler climate but for some reason people from the Mainland often get sunburned when they visit even though they rarely burn at home. Possibly Tasmania’s pollution free skies might make a difference, or maybe because our days are longer in the summer.

Ozone hole?

The strangest thing is she goes on about not putting poisons into her body (ie vaccines, fluoride) but she is usually having a cigarette when she is telling me this.

"If I do it it's not poison!"

 

[Silvercrest]

The strangest thing is she goes on about not putting poisons into her body (ie vaccines, fluoride) but she is usually having a cigarette when she is telling me this. I don’t say anything.

Well, it's an organic, all-natural plant product, therefore ....

(Ignoring the fact that deadly nightshade, hemlock, and poison ivy also meet that definition.)

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I never did understand the bitching about flouride. Isn't it in all toothpastes? Then why's it such a big ing deal to put it in WATER?

 

[shapeshifter]

We don't - er, shouldn't swallow toothpaste. Small amounts accidently ingested is safe, or so the story goes.

 

[Mrs. Silvercrest]

We know people like that, are related to some. It is really hard sometimes to not say anything. But way better if we don't. I have learned over the years some things you never talk about unless you really know the person. So my advice is (if you are a prayer) pray about it. And if you can walk away, make an exit as fast as you can, saying things like you have this or that to do. And if you can't walk away. Just start singing your favorite song in your head or think about something good like a place you love to think about. Good luck. And sorry to hear it. We know someone who is not thrilled with there daughters choice of a boyfriend. Can't pick them for them.

 

[Jax]

Do you guys think it is OK for me to ignore my son’s girlfriend view of things rather than argue with her? So far she has rattled off the following

Anti-vaccine beliefs
The 5G conspiracy
Wondering if what we saw in the sky was a chemtrail or a contrail

today she told I was not spiritual because I drank tap water. She said that fluoride in the water destroys the spiritual centre of the brain.

She also went on about how there is no law in the USA to allow the government to collect taxes. I am not sure why she is worried about this as 1) she is an Australian 2) she does currently pay taxes even in Australia (except GST). I am also certain that she has never read the US Constitution ie the 16th Amendment.

She went on about how stupid and rude Tasmanians are (she’s originally from from Queensland) but I think it might just be that Tasmanians are calling her out on all this bullshit. She hates living in Tasmania and today complained that the sun is too hot in Tasmania.

So I am asking my fellow Trekbbsers - how to you personally deal with people who believe in conspiracy theories, whether they are family, people at your work etc.

Your son needs a smack round the head. I could never date someone with such a loose grasp on reality.