twenty responses to unsolicited advice

I created this list to help me deal with comments that I consider to be opinions but the other party considers to be facts. For example, while I am enjoying a cookie, a well meaning friend might announce, "Too much sugar causes diabetes."

I happen to believe that there are multiple causative factors beneath illnesses, including thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. So instead of explaining that I don't believe it's that simple, and trying to launch a discussion about the many potential non-physical root causes of disease, I might try saying something from my list:

I'd be curious to hear about your personal experience with that concept.

Thank you, and I'm gonna change the subject now.

Thank you, and I will give that some thought.

I agree that it may be one of the contributing factors.

I am sure that is indeed one piece of a rather complicated puzzle.

That's probably true in some cases.

Sounds like you are really passionate about nutrition.

I appreciate that you want to share what you learn with me.

I don't know what to say to that.

Wow.

That's one way to look at it.

Could be.

Well, I tend to have rather unconventional opinions about things like that.

We may need to agree to disagree on that point.

Hopefully you can respect my right to take a different perspective.

That interpretation does not resonate with me, but thanks for sharing it.

Thanks, and if I want to hear more about that, I'll be sure to ask you.

Is this something you want to discuss, or did you just want to let me know your thoughts?

Sounds like you believe sugar is damaging to the body.

Sounds like you take a strong interest in health and nutrition.

If you have some other responses to add to the list, please let me know! It's a work in progress.