Man Hits Breaking Point With Mom’s Partner Over His Extreme No-Phone Rule During Visits

How one man grappled with his mom’s partner's outlandish conspiracy theories.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• February 26, 2024

As a grown adult approaching the big 30, the last thing one would expect was to feel like a kid having their toys confiscated. Yet, that was how our narrator (Original Poster) felt each time he was hit with the ‘no-phones rule’ by his mom’s technology-hating boyfriend. 

OP’s mom lived in the quaint countryside with her boyfriend, so he didn’t get to see her as often anymore. On a mission to reconnect with his Italian mom, OP staged a weekend retreat to her new countryside paradise—and things quickly got out of hand. 

It’s noteworthy to mention that his mom’s boyfriend, Gary, wasn’t your typical run-of-the-mill human. He had a penchant for conspiracy theories and a mystical condition that rendered him susceptible to electromagnetic disturbances—particularly that of iPhones.

Weirdly enough, he seemed fine in public despite the heavy usage of phones at every corner, but OP didn’t want to get into that. Armed with an EMF reader that detected every slight spike in radiation, Gary had but one rule—“no phones in my house!”

OP usually abided by this law to keep the peace, but this time, they attempted a slight rebellion. Once they were safely within the confines of the guest room, the cell phone came out. 

A climactic showdown ensued when Gary thundered down after sensing a ‘spike in radiation.’ OP didn’t back down this time; he believed he sufficiently compromised. He couldn’t be rendered digitally handicapped all because he wanted to spend time with his mom.

To Gary, compromise wasn’t enough. He had a disability, and it was his house and his rules. Was OP wrong for trying to meet him halfway? 

The story in detail

OP’s mom’s partner (Gary) believes in various conspiracy theories. One of these is that phones (iPhones especially) emit harmful frequencies and radiation

When OP and his siblings visit, Gary makes them put off their iPhone’s and keep them in a metal box

OP bought a LAN adapter on his next visit, but it was pointless as Gary still insisted that the frequencies would affect him

When OP retired to his room, he began using his phone, which attracted Gary. This time, OP gave him a piece of his mind

Too long, didn’t read

We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community.

This would be hilarious

“Don't stay in Gary's house, get a hotel room. Get one for mom too, Gary can stay safe in his cage.”

“Tell your mom that when she's ready to leave him, you will help her, no questions asked. Start putting aside an escape fund for her.”

“Help your mother get away from crazy. Help her get a place closer to where she wants to live and get her out.”

Gary’s EMF reader might just be picking up electricity from the house

“I'm like 99% sure the ‘lizard people’ conspiracy theory is hugely rooted in antisemitism.”

Redditors believe it might be time for a change of scenery. They urged OP to book a hotel instead and whisk his mom away on a trip. Her eyes need to be opened to the world beyond Gary's domain. 

Many believed Gary’s disturbing beliefs may signal a deeper instability, and they were worried OP’s mom might drown in this soon. 

Jesse