Not quick or witty, but in hopes that what I would say in your situation inspires you to find something that works for you:
"'It's not a good game unless everyone is enjoying it.' That's what they teach kindergarteners. If you want to play devil's advocate, and you'd like me to play along, ask me."
I wouldn't expect that (or anything) to work the first time, but after that, I would give him The Eyebrow and The Mom Voice and say, "Don't play with me without my consent."
If he hadn't learned anything after five reps, I would assume that every opinion that came out of his mouth was devil's advocacy, and not worth engaging with. If he wanted any more discussions, I'd let him figure out how to make that work.
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Date: 1 Oct 2013 02:56 am (UTC)"'It's not a good game unless everyone is enjoying it.' That's what they teach kindergarteners. If you want to play devil's advocate, and you'd like me to play along, ask me."
I wouldn't expect that (or anything) to work the first time, but after that, I would give him The Eyebrow and The Mom Voice and say, "Don't play with me without my consent."
If he hadn't learned anything after five reps, I would assume that every opinion that came out of his mouth was devil's advocacy, and not worth engaging with. If he wanted any more discussions, I'd let him figure out how to make that work.