How do you handle friendships with differing political beliefs?

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How do you handle friendships with differing political beliefs?

Comments

  1. sceadusquirrel Avatar

    It really depends on what the differing political beliefs are. “I don’t think we should have income tax” and “I don’t think you should be allowed to marry someone you love” are wildly different things. The first one I could be friends with, the second one I couldn’t.

  2. hnybbyy Avatar

    As with anyone, I try to understand where they are coming from. I’m not from the US so that also helps.

  3. Square-Camel8180 Avatar

    I don’t get into with them.
    There’s two things you don’t get into, politics and religion.

    My best friend (who I’ve been friends with since we were children) and I, turns out have very different political views as now adults. Did I cut all ties with her when I found out? No. Am I ever going to? Also, no. She’s my best friend.

    I only found out because of a comment she made some years ago. Thought she was absolutely wild for what she said, I just ignored her comment completely. She got the hint and the vibe from my face alone, and she’s never brought up politics in front of me again, so I guess I’m lucky in that regard.

    As a general rule, anyone who constantly talks about politics or wants to discuss politics with me on the regular would not reach “friend” status with me in the first place tbh. I don’t wanna talk about that.

  4. musicandsleep Avatar

    Simply put, I don’t. Especially as an American in this political climate. My friends and I all have similar beliefs, morals, and values. We all have enriching conversations because of it and we learn so much and are able to grow from listening to one another. I would like to keep it that way.

  5. So_Call_Me_Maddie Avatar

    Normally if it’s just an “issues” difference there isn’t much to handle, everyone is entitled to their opinion and most of my friends can intelligently defend their position.

    Now for the part that will probably cause some angst… Differing core ideologies are a problem, unfortunately the Left vs. Right in the US has become a matter of basic human decency vs. close minded bigotry & I cannot in good conscience continue a friendship with someone that supports a wanna be dictator/cult leader.

    Before you get your pitchforks and light your torches… I was born in a socialist controlled country, have my education in politics, & I’ve read and am well versed in my history. I see shockingly disturbing similarities between the past and what is unfolding today.

  6. I-Fail-Forward Avatar

    Kinda depends on the differing political beliefs

    Somebody thinks that the highest tax rate should be 80% I think thats a bit low, but thats a discussion worth having.

    Supports the fascists? Not a friend

  7. Livid-Tumbleweed-850 Avatar

    In this day and age, in America, you don’t. You don’t keep friends that are ignorant.

  8. notade50 Avatar

    I don’t have friends whose world view are so different from mine that I lose respect for them. For those friends who just have differences of opinion, I look for places we agree and try to point out our common ground. There’s more of it than people realize and I get a kick out of finding it.

  9. CancerMoon2Caprising Avatar

    I dont.

    I consider people with different values ‘acquaintances’. Im very polite and friendly, but I wont get personal with them.

    Just think about if the workd went to sht (its definitely going backwards), would that “friend” help or support you? Or would they pretend like they never knew you?