I think what you're missing is that she wasn't really trying to convince you that you should like horror movies so much as defending her own like of them. The social awkwardness of geeks often manifests as arguing flawed arguments because someone is trying to impress someone else or they're trying to defend themselves from a perceived attack (usually on their hobby, which by extension is on them).
It's the same reason people argue about things that don't really matter and stubbornly cling to a debate even if logic went out the window or Point A isn't necessary contrary to Opposing Point B.
In the long run it can be frustrating if you realize what the person is doing, as you can't really deconstruct it for them without further encouraging the defensive banter, so what I generally do is more or less what you did there. I'll point out what I can about the argument, then when it becomes clear we won't be getting anywhere I just disengage and either change the subject or give them some room. Most of them don't realize they're doing this and mean no harm by it, but it doesn't make them much less frustrating to be around.
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chiming
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Date: 2012-06-03 02:51 pm (UTC)From:It's the same reason people argue about things that don't really matter and stubbornly cling to a debate even if logic went out the window or Point A isn't necessary contrary to Opposing Point B.
In the long run it can be frustrating if you realize what the person is doing, as you can't really deconstruct it for them without further encouraging the defensive banter, so what I generally do is more or less what you did there. I'll point out what I can about the argument, then when it becomes clear we won't be getting anywhere I just disengage and either change the subject or give them some room. Most of them don't realize they're doing this and mean no harm by it, but it doesn't make them much less frustrating to be around.