Help! My Husband's Elaborate Tall Tales Are Getting Out of Hand.
Briefly

The easiest thing to do here is just train yourself to take several beats when he comes to you with frightening health news regarding himself or someone else. Nod, take his hand, and let him get through his tall tale, and then gently say, 'That is very concerning. Are you sure Aunt Melba is literally four days away from death?' This approach allows you to address his exaggerations calmly without escalating panic.
Your husband might be himself scared about being 'at an age' where health scares are 'more and more common,' and unconsciously trying to rile up everyone around him to match his internal energy. This understanding can help you approach the situation with empathy instead of frustration.
Read at Slate Magazine
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