and think it makes them something special.

... Oppositional Defiant Disorder. These people disagree for the sake of being disagreeable. It's really tiresome.

I don't think it's so much that I was a good influence on her, as that she was always too intelligent, compassionate, and good-hearted to belong to that group of whack-jobs. But today, she is a staunch liberal Democrat, and an atheist.

Known each other since 1962/first grade. We go out once a month. We get along great and don’t talk politics.

Who refused the Covid vaccine and was infected with it 3 times. She now has what’s considered “long covid” and as a result has pulmonary fibrosis and a damaged heart valve she needs replaced. She still insists she did the right thing.

they personally experience it.

... cannot deal with abstractions. Concepts are not real to them unless, as you say, reality slaps 'em upside the head. And sometimes they'll deny reality no matter how much proof you provide. It is a mental disorder. They'll deny that, too. I refuse to waste any time on them. They contribute nothing value to the gene pool.

Once you accept they are going to choose whatever they are told to then it makes sense.