My friend has started to get into political conversations on Facebook and I think he is embarrassing himself. He's spouting all these talking points without ever showing any interest in them before!
The partner was very smart and the suggestions were excellent.
Nothing
Maybe showing a typing bubble on the other end will help reassure people that the other person is here and is talking
Hello! How are you doing today?
assistant
Others
I'm good thanks but pretty frustrated too be honest. It's my friend who has taken to being a pain on Facebook
user
null
I'm sorry to hear you are frustrated! I'm gonna do my best to understand and talk through your issue. :) Your friend is being a pain on face book in what way?
assistant
Question
He's all of a sudden got an opinion on everything and tries to pull me into arguments with other friends.
user
null
It sounds like he didn't use to blast his opinion in the past or include you in arguments, is that true?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
That is true yes. It's like the world has to listen to his opinion and only his matters and he won't listen to reason. It's very frustrating and it makes me not want to talk to him. My eyes literally roll when I see a post from him.
user
null
Oh I see! I get where you are coming from. I have a few friends that no matter how long you discuss, they won't let the conversation end unless "they are right." It seems like your friend doesn't like it when he is wrong?
assistant
Self-disclosure
Absolutely and I'm not sure how to broach this with him. I actually feel like it is damaging his reputation. Other friends of ours feel the same way. Not sure what to do?
user
null
Gotcha so not only are you frustrated with what he is doing, but you are also worried about his reputation! First of all, can I ask if he is just your friend online or if you hangout with him in person too?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
That's correct. He is actually a close friend and I wonder what has changed recently to make him like this. I've known him for over 20 years.
user
null
Okay I see. From personal experience, the best way to confront someone who likes to do most of their confrontations online, is in person. Since he is so used to almost "hiding" behind a screen, his feelings will be more vulnerable and real if you discuss your concerns in person.
assistant
Others
Actually I've never thought of it like that. Perhaps a couple of us can have a conversation with him in person. Honestly some off his views are disgusting. I think this needs to stop.
user
null
A suggestion I would make would be to hangout with him in person, and bring up the issues that you and your friends have been seeing. But it's important to not make him feel overwhelmed. Almost like he is being "ganged up on."
assistant
Information
Yes that's good advice, I think we need to be tactful and raise it in the right way. Have you ever experienced something like this with a friend yourself?
user
null
I can tell that you care about this person as a friend, but you are worried that the way he thinks and talks may ruin that in a way. Make sure to let him know these concerns! It will show him that you guys truly are doing it out of love. And yes I have actually had a very similar experience! Let me explain
assistant
Reflection of feelings,Self-disclosure
Ok sure please do
user
null
One of my best friend's and roommate, had a very hard time separating friendship and roommate issues. It caused a lot of issues in the relationships with our friends. She had a tendency to discuss issues over text and didn't like doing it in person. But we realized, the problem with that is that you can't tell the emotion behind messages on a screen. But once we talked in person, our issues were solved because we could hear the intended emotions behind what we were saying
assistant
Self-disclosure
Yeah that's useful. I think you are right in that the ambiguity of social interaction online makes him more inclined to say extreme thinks, perhaps to get a reaction. The more I think about it, perhaps this could be an indication that there is something he is dealing with and may be lashing out.
user
null
Yes exactly. It sounds like he might have other reasonings behind his actions. And you guys talking to him as friends in person, would show him that you care and that he is in a safe environment. He doesn't need to be so extreme
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Yeah I think that's definitely the way forward. Listen this has really helped so thanks for the suggestions and sharing your own experiences.
user
null
Yes of course! I wish you the best in overcoming this hard time with your friend. I believe that you guys will be able to talk through it since it's a newer issue. :)
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I hope so too. Nice to talk to you and thanks again.
user
null
Of course! Have a good rest of your day
assistant
Others