New man sees spirits and it freaks me out. AIBU?

[iseedeadpeoplehelp]

New guy, very sweet and kind, good job, interesting and sincere.
But he tells me he sees spirits and if he stays in an old house/building they can keep him awake. I don't like anything woo and it's making me uncomfortable. Thoughts?

Why am I picturing him as Margaret Rutherford?

@iseedeadpeoplehelp

Yes it does frighten me, because I have an open mind about these things. Just because there isn't an explanation doesn't make it untrue as such. For me he may be telling his truth but I tend to think a bit rationally but without dismissing it completely.

Happy to hear this about you OP.

Rest of the people who are outright denying the possibility of such things is mind boggling.

The mindset - "only what I see can exist" Before the scientists discovered microbes, these type of people would have scorned at those who spoke of possible microbial beings. Unbelievably closed minded!

On your question - it really depends, if the relationship is otherwise solid, this is not necessarily a deal breaker unless it will make you too uncomfortable, then it is.

@Chikapu

Why am I picturing him as Margaret Rutherford?

@SmileyClare

I used to "see" a tall man in my peripheral vision

It turns out I had accurately described his deceased uncle

Sorry but that's a bit of a reach

I'm sure it gives people comfort to think their dead relatives are still around in spirit but I can't help laughing a bit at "woo" anecdotes.

It's probably more open minded to consider other explanations?

That said, some of the woo threads on here are fairly harmless and comedy gold

Paraphrasing isn't helpful, unless your intention is to mock for entertainment.

I didn't describe the entire situation, or my description.
To elaborate slightly, my BF is 6ft 5. The man that I saw was visibly taller than my BF. That is significant, and prompted me to mention it.

Quantum theory provides some very rational explanations for paranormal events. Marcus Chown is a great author for the uninitiated.
Fear is the usual response, but it's very lazy to denounce anything that you haven't personally experienced.

@Terhou "Religious types" 😂. Patronising much?

@PartridgeFeather, I'm not sure you know what "patronising" means.

@iseedeadpeoplehelp

He doesn't mention it often and it took him a while to mention it at all. He is not an attention seeker, I would spot that a mile away but I'm not sure about his history re drug use. He is lovely in every other way, it's just this that concerns me.

Yes I would be a little concerned too, mostly about his mental health and potential for hallucinations.

Doesn't mean it's a dealbreaker because only you know him and your own boundaries/ tolerance levels.

Why not fish him out a bit more on it and have some longer conversations about it? It's concerning if he is having hallucinations but again, not necessarily a reason to not be with him, it all depends on what you are able to cope with and if you like him in every other way it could be absolutely fine.

@CutePanda

Hmm interesting how quick people are to say “spirits do not exist,” but they won’t tell a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim etc that their Gods, angels and prophets do not exist. I bet they attend church funerals to pay respect to the dead. I bet they Christened/baptised their DC. Bunch of hypocrites!

You know you can believe something yourself without forcing that belief on other people?

I could state "Spirits don't exist" on here as my own belief.

At the same time, I can accept that other people believe something different, I can even celebrate that!

Their belief is their reality and their experience of the world - and that is absolutely fine. Actually quite awesome that we're not all the same. I'd love to learn more about it.

Tolerance and acceptance.

I’d be wary, OP. Could be unwell, could be attention seeking.

My opinion? It’s all made up, the thought of spirits hanging around may be comforting or terrifying but I’ve never seen any convincing evidence. As with all woo, superstition and religion in general. Should convincing evidence ever become available, I’d be happy to reconsider.