General Discussion

Silent3

(15,909 posts)

9. What do you say when the person you're talking to IS being crazy?

Mon Jul 3, 2023, 09:22 PM

Jul 2023

I suppose there are usually more diplomatic approaches than accusing someone of being crazy, even when it's true. Then again, there's simply giving up trying to deal with some people, if and when you can escape a such situation.

My big problem with this advice is that crazy people will read it and it will give them more tools in their toolkit for blocking out reality. Some of this stuff is pretty toxic all the time (like #5, "If you loved me, you’d let me do what I want." ), but sometimes a person you're talking to is overreacting, is at fault for a problem, or doesn't understand what the real problem is.

Fortunately for me the occasions I have to deal with people like that are few and far between.

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9 toxic phrases people use when they're trying to gaslight you - and how to respond [View all] FakeNoose Jul 2023 OP

Slobby calls everyone who is investigating him delusional malaise Jul 2023 #1

Point at them The Wizard Jul 2023 #2

If only the media would do that FakeNoose Jul 2023 #4

This is good stuff for everyone. Thanks much. Joinfortmill Jul 2023 #3

That article is nonsense synni Jul 2023 #5

I'm with you. If someone plays that game, walk away and don't come back. Midnight Writer Jul 2023 #8

What if it's your own child, or another family member? FakeNoose Jul 2023 #13

Walk away GenThePerservering Jul 2023 #17

Good advice. Duppers Jul 2023 #14

Agreed. Generic Brad Jul 2023 #16

How about: "I'm just asking questions" ??? DinahMoeHum Jul 2023 #6

My response is, "why change the subject when you haven't answered the last question yet?" FakeNoose Jul 2023 #7

What do you say when the person you're talking to IS being crazy? Silent3 Jul 2023 #9

I hear you friend, but there aren't many crazies on DU, at least not yet FakeNoose Jul 2023 #12

I doubt it, because they won't GenThePerservering Jul 2023 #18

"fuck you"and walk away works. niyad Jul 2023 #10

+1000 frogmarch Jul 2023 #11

This is the way GenThePerservering Jul 2023 #19

Number 6! calimary Jul 2023 #15

I can say all of them about my mom. She has always and always will use them--because she's my mother debm55 Jul 2023 #22

This is useful information not just for gaslighting but for other manipulative or difficult people liberalla Jul 2023 #20

K&R CountAllVotes Jul 2023 #21