I find in general that asking questions rather than making statements is a much less confrontational method of engaging with people. It’s letting them figure things out for themselves. “What makes you say that?” or “Where’d you hear that?” are good ones to start with when they make some outrageous claim.
Being silent and letting them keep digging is good, too.
Yep, and precede it with something like “I enjoy our friendship but I have to ask…”
Put the emphasis on the friendship and how both can learn from it.
Neurodivergents: Just talk about this emotional issue that impacts their self image rationally normies love that
I find in general that asking questions rather than making statements is a much less confrontational method of engaging with people. It’s letting them figure things out for themselves. “What makes you say that?” or “Where’d you hear that?” are good ones to start with when they make some outrageous claim.
Being silent and letting them keep digging is good, too.