My Best Friend is a Republican
A few months ago I met a wonderful girl. We clicked instantly. We talk every day and hang out at least three times a week. We never disagree and neither of us can believe our good fortune in finding each other.
One morning, we were talking about how neither of us could think of a reason why we’d get mad at each other. We happily drank our coffee and watched TV while the kids played. I was goofing around on the computer and I made an anti-Palin remark.
Curious, she asked why I had such strong feelings against Sarah Palin. I explained how I came across the site about Women Against Sarah Palin and from that discovery, learned about her and what she represents.
My friend then asked what it was I disagreed with. I won’t go into detail about our conversation, I’ll just say that all of the sudden things got uncomfortable. She disagreed with me on every reason I had to dislike Palin, and started debating each point with me.
I sensed that serious damage could be done to our relationship if the conversation continued the way it was going, so I simply stopped and asked her if she’s Republican. She told me she is and I smiled and said, ‘Okay’.
I’m a registered Democrat. I vote for the candidate not the party but my values fall much closer to Democrat than Republican so that’s where I’m registered.
I told my friend I truly value her friendship and I believe we will be friends for many years to come. I also told her that if we want to continue to be successful in our relationship, we’re going to have to not talk Politics. I respect an individuals values, even if I don’t agree with them. I don’t want to engage in a discussion that will have no resolution.
People hold strong to their beliefs. Whether it be Religion or Politics, a persons moral values are a precious thing and no one should attempt to tell someone they’re wrong simply because they see it a different way. I think while it’s admirable to listen to an opposing point of view, but it should be done with an open mind. Too often, people engage in these debates with the best of intentions only to end up angry and frustrated when they find their beliefs opposed.
Today, I am both eager and stressed. All the build upand tension culminates to this one day. Who will be the next President of the United States? This country is suffering and desperately needs change, and the road to change starts today.
Get out there and vote. I won’t tell you who to vote for, just vote for what you believe in. Don’t just vote for President- make a difference in your local government as well. If you’re not familiar with the local candidates, take a look online before you go out to cast your vote. Each vote counts.
I’d like to take the time to offer my condolences to Barack Obama and his family for their loss of his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham. Madelyn passed away in her sleep at her Hawaii home after a long battle with cancer.
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I agree, politics shouldn’t be something that ruins a relationship
but it does…. way to often. It will certainly be interesting to see how this works out today.
A very similar thing happened to me with a good friend about a month ago. I had a feeling she was Republican so I had always steered the conversation elsewhere but one day she flat out asked me my opinion on something. She didn’t like it. We had an hour long “discussion” after which I said I would really prefer to preserve our friendship and never talk politics again!
That is a toughy, for sure. My SIL is Republican and we just don’t talk about certain topics. I can’t understand for the life of me why she thinks about some things the way she does *wink* but she does and I just have to avoid those topics.
Thanks for posting on my blog about Wegman’s. I just love the place and I’m so thrilled they are here. I will never cheat on them by going to Giant or Safeway
Most my coworkers are Republican – the past two years have been a strain, but we never make it personal! Everyone has a reason and a right to think how they do.
opposing ideas can ruin a relationship and you were wise to just say “okay” and smiled and not push any of your beliefs on her, few people do that, most people would try to convince the other person to see things the way they did and that’s where it gets messy… dropped an ec for you too, oh and i love your blog…
Hear, hear! I could not agree with you more on this topic. I don’t care what religion or political affiliation anyone is; all I care about is that he/she is a decent, caring human being who doesn’t force his/her opinions on me and doesn’t participate in hateful or hurtful activities toward other human beings.
I wish you many, many years of wonderful friendship with your politically-polar-opposite friend!
we had a discussion at the office this morning and it all turned out okay. It was interesting to see who voted what and why. Then we all just walked away not changing our minds or changing anyone elses. Like you say, it doesn’t matter how they vote, just get out there and vote. btw I’m a registered Dem and voted Rep. Just couldn’t bring myself to vote for a man who sat through Rev Wrights sermons for 20!!! years and didn’t leave. just sayin – now I’ll just go away – til tomorrow.
I completely agree with all the comments! And of course Julie…we often mistake our ideas as the only ones that count when it comes to political and religious views. As Teresa said, “I don’t care what religion or political affiliation anyone is; all I care about it that he/she is a decent, caring human being…” I completely agree! Although, it wouldn’t hurt if you were Republican
I had a similiar situation. I have a group of expat friends here and we meet for coffee every Tuesday. About half HATED Sarah Palin and the other half LIKED her. The funny thing is, we are all so alike. I’ll e glad when this election is over and I don’t have to be careful about what I say to my friends.
I agree with all I’ve read … I hope your friendship survives because good friends are hard to find. I really try hard to understand and appreciate the opinion of others … and even when I can’t there is no reason to try to “win them over” … they have their opinion and I have mine … period. Thanks for sharing this today! As a nation divided right now … I hope we can bond and unite again very shortly after the election count. *huGs* Suzanne
I have several friends that are on the opposite side of the political fence from me. We are still friends and for the most part we don’t discuss it.
I do hope that Washington can overcome this though. I think with out non heated conversation things will not get resolved. I also believe that if our elected officials really care about us and our country they should be able to bend a little to help us all!
Emotions are running high in this election because EVERYONE recongizes the need for change. What we disagree upon what needs changing, and who has the ability to bring it about.
At the turning of the new millennium, Pope John Paul the Great used to admonish us, “Do not be afraid.” So often we speak out of fear rather than knowledge — and so often that is what gets us in trouble.
No matter who wins, America is going to have to pay for decades of bad choices. The bill has come due. No president is going to change that — although I do shudder when I think of how many children are going to be destroyed with our tax dollars if and when Obama has an opportunity to enact the so-called “Freedom of Choice Act.”
I would not want to be in his shoes the day he joins his grandmother. May she rest in peace.
Great post. I have 2 friends that are Republicans one of which was a Democrat but has slowly changed due to her husband’s persuasions (I think). The other one and I use to argue all the time and we both would get so upset with one another. So now we, also, have to steer way away from politics to continue our friendship. I will end this comment with one last statement….it’s amazing how Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver continue their successful marriage being they are both staunch opposites in their political affiliations. I suppose it can be done!!
I think it is definitely wise to not talk politics with this friend of yours. I definitely know what it’s like to have someone close to you start debating your politics with you. I am very active and very informed when it comes to politics and sometimes can’t help but jump on the debate train, but if you sit down with that person who doesn’t agree with you and is just as passionate about the other side, it is sometimes best to agree to disagree to preserve a friendship.
My mom and I can’t talk politics.
On the other hand, politics was one of the things I found I had strongly in common with a recent friend, and it made our relationship bond really quickly!
I had a similar experience myself with an online former friend. Out of the blue I found out that our friendship deteriorated when she stopped following me on Twitter. It hit me between right between the eyes, as we really hadn’t even discussed anything ever about politics in depth. I like to think I’m the more civilized one for being objective and not letting something like that get in the way of friendships.