It's terrible, but I've seen it in my own family. I have a loved one who was a journalist and is still fanatically devoted to media. She spends all her time on internet forums worrying about Russia. When she used to still visit she would try to ask "gotcha" questions (she inevitably brings up politics, I do not) and then would get very a…
It's terrible, but I've seen it in my own family. I have a loved one who was a journalist and is still fanatically devoted to media. She spends all her time on internet forums worrying about Russia. When she used to still visit she would try to ask "gotcha" questions (she inevitably brings up politics, I do not) and then would get very angry, "panic" as you insightfully say, and tell me "well I guess I'm just not as smart as you" and then change the subject. She gave up seeing her only living family members in preference for websites like Democratic Underground and never having to hear a contrary opinion. I've tried to bridge the gap but it's a thankless task and it breaks my heart to see loved ones so caught up in anger, panic, know-nothingism. They had a lot to say about Q-Anon people, but these people have been high on their own supply since 2008 and now that it's running out it's getting tragic to see them avoiding a confrontation with themselves. I hope your friend chills out; he's giving up more than lunch, but a priceless connection to a living soul rather than another automaton.
It's terrible, but I've seen it in my own family. I have a loved one who was a journalist and is still fanatically devoted to media. She spends all her time on internet forums worrying about Russia. When she used to still visit she would try to ask "gotcha" questions (she inevitably brings up politics, I do not) and then would get very angry, "panic" as you insightfully say, and tell me "well I guess I'm just not as smart as you" and then change the subject. She gave up seeing her only living family members in preference for websites like Democratic Underground and never having to hear a contrary opinion. I've tried to bridge the gap but it's a thankless task and it breaks my heart to see loved ones so caught up in anger, panic, know-nothingism. They had a lot to say about Q-Anon people, but these people have been high on their own supply since 2008 and now that it's running out it's getting tragic to see them avoiding a confrontation with themselves. I hope your friend chills out; he's giving up more than lunch, but a priceless connection to a living soul rather than another automaton.