Forum:How the heck do I talk to an otherkin friend?

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Well, I have a friend who considers himself an otherkin/therian. I think that stuff is weird but I don't want to tell him that I'm weirded out by it. I've mostly been saying "interesting" or "cool" to his stuff while dreading Skype conversations. Anyone have any tips on talking/coping? Ru1138 (talk) 18:28, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

talk to them like you would any other human being whose beliefs/interests do not affect you in any way. AMassiveGay (talk) 18:33, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Well... he's also trying to get me to do stuff I'm uncomfortable with. He thinks dream sharing is a thing and he wants us to meet up. I just get anxious around him. Ru1138 (talk) 19:04, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Then, yeeeeeah I'd say try to let him down gently. Like, "Hey, I think it's really cool that you've found what works for you and all, but I'm not really comfortable doing something like this." Chances are, they might not get the hint and you may need to be a little more blunt -- I've had a number of online friends like this myself. I'd also recommend switching to more neutral tone rather than the this-could-come-off-sounding-like-I'm-fascinated-in-a-medium-without-vocal-signals tone of "interesting" or "cool". Something more like "I see", or "That so?", or "Huh."

Then again, I'm probably not the best person to ask -- I can be as blunt as the wrong end of an axe and too milquetoast to be anywhere close to confrontational about it to someone who might be using it as a mental crutch. ℕoir LeSable (talk) 19:57, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. Ru1138 (talk) 22:21, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Feigning interest only works for so long. As Noir said, after awhile this other person may interpret it as genuine interest, which will motivate them to push themselves on you even more. I recommend a straightforward "I can see you're really into this stuff and I can respect that, but frankly it doesn't do anything for me." As for meeting in person, that's a little more serious. If he/she is pushing for it and you aren't comfortable then you need to put your foot down. Tell them no; you don't owe them any explanation, so you don't have to give one if you don't want tO.173.72.6.153 (talk) 18:32, 17 February 2016 (UTC)

Fake your death ^{— Unsigned, by: 81.145.153.190 / talk / contribs}

Well... I ended our relationship. He was nice, but I just felt too uncomfortable around him. I hope he doesn't take it too hard.Ru1138 (talk) 13:53, 21 February 2016 (UTC)