If you’re the only realist in a family of fantasists

[LadyBanana]

Is it better to be the sole voice of reason (YABU)

or

STFU (YANBU)

Are you talking about parents and siblings or your partner?

Not my partner. But yes. And extended family.

It's totally dependent on the subject, so a bit of both.

Possibly neither - I think I'd distance myself from the crazy. It depends a lot on the circumstances. If pushed, brief voice of reason then ignore.

I had a couple of family members like this and I found it confusing when I was a child because I didn't realise they were lying. As I grew up I found it annoying . I didn't bother challenging it because as someone else said, you can't argue with crazy. I went LC with family.

Depends on the subject. I am very optimistic by nature, and I am aware that some people
think I’m unrealistic, and sometimes it’s good for me for people to remind me that other outcomes are possible🤣But it does depend on how important it is. My dp always makes sure he has an extra sweater in his bag, for example…

My DH is a grounded optimist which is pretty perfect IMO but family are deluded grandiose fantasists.

The poll results are interesting. I’ve tried to be the voice of reason but all it’s achieved is for me to be called difficult. If I STFU then I am trampled over. Going LC/NC is not possible ATM.

There’s no win in this so feel free to be honest in your voting.

I would just nod and smile vaguely when you have to see them, OP. Nothing you say or do will change them. The only thing you can control is your own response. Also, like I did, learn to switch off. I managed to stop hearing quite a lot of the shit my parents spouted over the years.

Oh actually, it looks like you're talking about being sucked into their plans, OP? You're going to have to go LC then.

If it's anything directly related to you or kids that may then be belived by others or impact you in some way - quietly but firmly correct immediately.

Most people don't care and think you odd for correcting but if you don't they'll later accuse you of misrepresentation IME rather than the unreilable narrator.

Other wise smile and nodd and ignore or wander off - other option if they try and engulf you in plans is broken record - no that's not happening / no we did not agree on that - no - don't apologize offer compromises explain thise are big mistake we made over the years just no can't do that.