When I run into others with different or far fetched belief systems, it usually comes down to; "conclusion shopping for an explanation that fits their narrative."

Most of us, no matter what we believe have access to the same tools: opinions of other people who are smarter than us that we 'respect', the internet, libraries, personal eyewitness testimonies. etc. However, its how we use these tools. If you search for only what you want and don't attempt at searching for what would debunk that, than you are just conclusion shopping....

Skeptics tend to question and like to look at other perspectives, similar to "i want to know if I'm being wrong and why, but if I'm right, then i also want to know why."

Those in hard-boiled belief systems tend to find comfort with what they found, and don't want it disturbed, and some will vehemently defend it or, passive/aggressively say, "well, do some more research on it and get back to me." however, both people research for the same thing differently.

In the end, healthy discussions are great, but when it turns into a circular 'argument'' then it's not productive for either parties.

I've had some woo woo moments in my life. I attribute it to dysfunctional home life and feeling the need to be hyper aware of what was up with my mom so as to avoid her wrath. A defense mechanism if you will, right up there with thinking about someone and they call you or stop by. This usually involves someone you speak with on a regular basis anyway; about as accurate at prediction as 2 people always throwing the same rocks, or paper or scissors each time.

When it really sucks is when it involves your late spouse. I had my cousin tell me that my late wife Kristin was trying to contact me but couldn't because I'm such a hard-core rationalist. So basically, the fact that she and I have no communication in her afterlife is MY fault. It's hard enough dealing with the grief, much less somebody guilt-tripping me about my logical mindset.

Ahhhh yaaassss, Deepak Chopra, the Master of using many, many words meaning Nothing, until drump came along.
But at least Mr. Chopra is peaceful.

I cut everyone off with a joke. "What sign are you?"
"Pyrex"
"Pyrex?"
"Yeah, I was a test tube baby"

I get it. Mostly I just avoid it if possible. Or remove myself at the first opportunity. I will express my views if specifically asked but generally try to avoid calling anyone out. If I can think of something I will try to use humor to point out the absurdity of it, something like "I bet Geraldo wished he had a better psychic before opening Capone's vault!". Sometimes Scooby Doo references are needed. But I don't see that any differently than religion, and I do my best to live and let live without hiding my views.

Howard- You accidentally posted this four times, please delete the extra copies..

I know the feeling. I have this one acquaintance, we went to the same university for a short spell, then didn't have any contact for about 30 years. One day he just contacts out of the blue, and ever after has continued to send all kinds of wacky "research" and "data" concerning the deadly nature of the COVID-19 vaccines, and the evil cabal that big pharma and Bill Gates run, with the specific intention of depopulating the Earth through mass murder disguised as public health protocols. This isn't the only mania afflicting my old schoolmate. But that is another story.

People want encouragement in their lives, that’s why they involve themselves in it. Just let them be. We/you don’t have to pay any attention to it. Just say it’s not your thing.

I remember I went to a party and this lady starts telling the homeowner that she feels a presence in his house but it's a good one but she's not going inside his house, she's going to use the outside bathroom because she doesn't want anything to happen to her. I asked her if it's a good presence why be afraid of it and she should ask it questions about the after life or whatever dimension it's in, she turned her back on me and everyone else stopped talking to me, it was a great party! Lol!!!