lost a friend because of politics?

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by banjomike

I believe it's all a matter of respect.
I haven't changed my political views for a long time, but I was once on the other side of the fence from where I am now. I have friends who have done the same- time, circumstances, bad and good experiences, re-marriage to a new spouse, and many other things can change a person's politics.

All my closest friends know where I am politically, as I know where they stand. I believe it's up to me whether or not to engage any of them in a political conversation, and it's up to me as to how fervent such a discussion becomes. It's not hard to find agreement in some things with a friend, and spending more effort in finding where we agree is always better than getting all heated about where we disagree.

I have some friends I know will get hot if we get into any political discussion. With them, I just never go there, and I don't allow myself to get sucked in. It always takes two to tango, after all.

Most of my friends aren't unbalanced in their political thoughts. Sometimes, one will ask for my opinions on something specific, with honest curiosity and no attempts at baiting the question to start a fight. When that happens, I'll talk about it very specifically, and let them take from it what they will.

I have many friends. I would rather keep every one of them than get all humped up because they won't agree with me. I respect them, and I get mutual respect on their parts. I don't hang around with people who I don't respect, but politics alone doesn't lose my respect for a friend of mine.

But I'm 67. While I have friends of all ages, both much younger and older than me, I've learned how to curb my personal passions. Age does that to a guy.

As does knowing where boundaries lie.
And respecting them.

[CravingMountains]

I'm on the cusp of losing one I suppose. I keep my politics to myself out in public. I would never bring up sensitive topics in casual conversation. One of the people in my social group just won't shut up about politics though. I have had to get borderline physical with him in times when we are in a drunken stupor because he just won't shut the hell up about it, and the things he says are extremely uncalled for. It is starting to get better though. He hasn't brought up politics in over a month. Hopefully this continues.

[Stateisota]

Half of my high school graduating class. Most of them share brainwashed views from their rich daddies.

Hey I guess I would convince myself to be a right winged nutcase too if I was promised a new car with daddy's money.

Oh yeah most of them work for their dad now too. The irony...