My girl told me later, "my brother is a really smart, educated guy, so I was impressed that he was listening to what you were saying as if you were actually smart!" I think she meant it as a compliment, but I'm just not sure.
Funny.
...and we received this advice from multiple sources. I think people are trying to score Cool LGBT-supportive Brother points, Sister-in-law points, or Supportive Dad points, as appropriate.
Maybe you are over complicating it and people just wish you well.