Received a call from a guy that I've not seen in over 10 years. He's in poor health. Multiple health problems made worse by obesity. He suffered a stroke a few years back and is now apparently only semi-ambulatory. I believe he's reaching out to the few people who might converse with him on a regular basis. Here's the fun part:
A rabid, "born again", "SAVED", baptist. His religious dogma permeates every aspect of his life. So, when interacting with him you:
Cannot curse.
Cannot say "HIS" name without reverence.
Must not use "magic words".
Must not invoke "SATAN".
It goes on and on.
Now, I feel sorry for this guy, and I've no strong religious beliefs either positive or negative. So, should I try interacting with this guy on his terms?
Or, should I try for inducing another stroke by playing to the above listed "don'ts".
I'm, after all, a practicing sociopath.
Gee, a one sided relationship. Sounds like fun? (sarcasm!). Do you really want to pilfer time from more worthwhile people and endeavors for this sanctimonious douche nozzle??? I wouldn't. FTS! Yes I voted 2.
I've had a lifetime of maroons I've spent waaaay too much time giving a bleep about only to have nothing but angst to show for it. NO. Life...is.....too.....damned.....short.
I agree completely.
I'm wildly curious as to what he considers "magic words". The "magic words" I've seen lately in use are Obama, Hillary, MAGA, etc. that all magically absolve Trump of anything he has done or may do. Are these the magic words you speak of?
Ha!
Well, not exactly.... although those terms seem to trigger a great deal of rage. Good ones to use, come to think of it, for stimulating another stroke!
I would tell him that you are an adult and you do not want to engage in conversation where you "have to be on your best behavior." If he can't handle you expressing your beliefs when he is so vocal about his, that's his problem.
Ah.... another option 2 vote.
Why did he reach out to you? Where are his so called Christian friends? He has not contacted you in 10 years. Does he know you are not one of the flock? If he wants to renew an old friendship with you that's great as long as he respects your views and your personality or character. If you curse..you curse it's surly not a deal breaker..do it for humanitarian reasons but on equal terms.
So.... I'm hearing option one.
@bigpawbullets Yea what the hell! Option 1..whats the worst that can happen? Your cursing alone will probably kill the poor guy.
I think you have a third choice which is to be tolerant by explaining that your unbelief would just upset him so it's perhaps best if you don't talk. Wish him well and move on. If he insists he doesn't mind then explain that he's not allowed to proselytize you and you don't want to talk about religion, you are interested in a respectful dialog on other topics.
It may be that he has nothing to talk about but religion, or it may not. Let him decide.
Do NOT get involved! Tell the guy that you feel for him an hope that he recovers, but that you are now too far apart in beliefs to resume the contact. If you resume the relationship, you will regret it.
I believe you're right.
Very good advice. Thanks.
I would say as kindly as possible that complying with his list of behavioral requirements would violate your own principles and that you must regretfully decline to continue conversation. He just might surprise you, though I'd be surprised if he was willing to negotiate on this. You're not really close friends since you haven't been in contact for a decade. It's not your fault he doesn't have people -- I would guess it's his list. So at the rist of seeming cold, if you have to choose between him and you -- choose yourself
Aside from the music/theater I've done, I also worked in the legal field for many years ( gotta have a plan B in case rock star didn't work out).
You, madam, have a good sense of diplomatic statement.
I salute !
?
As a practicing sociopath.... choosing myself is pretty standard.
Make it clear that you would like to converse with him but if it can't be done without the "god" bit, then you will not continue.
I guess you voted option one?
kick him to the curb
Option Two!!!!
@bigpawbullets yes but don't be horrible, just move on.
I would never be willing to censor myself in order to be friends with somebody. If he truly wants to reconnect with you, he should be willing to take you as you are.
Maybe if he got off his fat arse instead of praying for everything he wouldn't be having such bad strokes
Agreed. He's my age... can't walk 25 feet without gasping for air. Now, I realize he's got numerous medical problems. But you're right. Mostly self inflicted.
Can't can't can't can't and some more can't ?
.
Yeah, sorry, I cant.
But not at the expense of your own peace of mind.
Sociopath! Remember?
@bigpawbullets Have fun then! (I'm more just a middling misanthrope.)