With the elections looming we tend to be more argumentative than usual. We are constantly being barraged from every news source, emails are going back and forth…everywhere we go someone is talking politics! When friends disagree about issues, political parties or candidates, it can lead to hurt feelings and bruised relationships. So how do we keep our friends, and our right to vote? Some thoughts:
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1) Don’t be a bully. Express yourself but avoid trying to prove a point with someone who disagrees.
2) Acknowledge your friends point….it doesn’t imply you agree with their point.
3) Discuss other things besides politics.
4) Be a good winner, if your candidate wins avoid gloating.
My rant is done and remember…
Friendships will be around long after the elections. It is worth keeping your friendships strong!
63 users commented in " Politics shouldn’t ruin friendships "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI agree, and same goes for NFL teams. I can be friends with a Vikings fan, for example … even though I root for the Steelers.
@Pamela, Great point! Thank you!
This election season has been a brutal one, hasn’t it? Good message, Mark.
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@cathy, thanks!
VERY good point my friend. Sometimes we can mix opinion with fact.
It’s a matter of respect. Respect for your friend as well as yourself!
@Strong One, thank you my friend, great input!
Thank YOU for posting this! You beat me to the punch here. This has been on my mind a lot lately, and it needs to be said. It’s great that people can get so passionate about something they believe in, but it shouldn’t overtake their senses and give them an excuse to be rude.
Everyone deserves to have an opinion and be respected for it.
Well said, BRAVO!
@Lisa, “It’s great that people can get so passionate about something they believe in, but it shouldn’t overtake their senses and give them an excuse to be rude.” You said it..right on!
Such a great point, Mark! This is a very heated election, and while it’s great to see so many people interested in and passionate about politics, it can also lead to hurt feelings!
We could all use a reminder to respect the opinions of everyone, whether they agree or disagree with our own opinions. And, if you can’t talk politics without getting into a huge argument, talk about something else instead!
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@Gena, Agreed…thank you!
Great post and excellent points. This election has been especially brutal. It’s like you either agree or you are the enemy. Thanks, Mark!!!
@Rosy, It has been a brutal one indeed…stay friends!
Oy tell me about it. The Mr and I TOTALLY disagree on politics. We argue but both realize that neither one of us will convert to the other side
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@Marcy, Looks like you have it worked out…great job!
Does that mean I cant do a nana nana poo poo dance if Obama wins?
@Suzie, Ha! That would be tempting for many.
Politics…I avoid this topic at all cost. Being Canadian, I am very liberal and open. Many just don’t seem to understand how I am not “bothered” by other’s way of life. And I don’t understand why many think they are judge and jury on what is “right” and “wrong”.
@DC Watts, very valid points, thanks for your feedback!
Absolutely true! We don’t have to agree to get along, we just have to want to get along!
As for my support. Between Tweedledee and, Tweedledum, I’m supporting Tweedle-dee, because 8 more years of a Tweedle-dumb is more than I can stand
@Dr.J, Well stated!
One other point is for people to look inward. As we get closer to the election, people become desperate and do and say things that they normally wouldn’t. We should all do an emotional check and see if possibly, our fears and other emotions are coloring our words and actions a little too much. Thanks for this great post Mark!
@Audra, An emotional check is good. Thank you!
Amen, brother. I am a conservative Browns fan who shares an office with a liberal Steelers fan (and one of the finest people I know). Much of life has nothing to do with those big issues people get their shorts in a wad over. There’s a lot to be said for looking out for the other person and keeping your mouth shut.
@Gary, Thanks for your feedback!
Bottom line – we have to agree to disagree. And of course do it with respect!
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@Stacey, Absolutely!
Good point. It’s why there are certain friends that I refust to talk politics with!
@Diana, That works too!
You are so right!
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@Mama Zen,
oh my! We don’t discuss politics or religion
in our house. Hubby and I disagree ……..sometimes I wonder how we ended up together!
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@Annette, Maybe good discussions to avoid.
Marriage should also not end because of politics. I stay away from politics at home and with my friends, unless they share the same views as mine.
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@chris, good point!
I only discuss politics with people I know agree with me.
There’s way less tension that way!!
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@FatFighterTV, Good tactic!
Thanks for posting this M I tottaly agree!
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@bobbi, Thanks!
Thank you Mark for an important reminder.
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@Vered, thank you!
Very true!
Have you seen the view lately? I think those women are about to kill each other
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@midwest mommy, oh the tension! Yikes!
The other day Guy Kawasaki sent out a tweet saying he lost a whole bunch of followers when he started using the “Obama” avatar. It’s OK to disagree with others and you shouldn’t cut them off just because their opinion differs from yours.
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@Marelisa, “It’s OK to disagree with others and you shouldn’t cut them off just because their opinion differs from yours.” I agree!
its quite ironic you posted this because just a few days ago this happened to me… i didn’t provoke it b/c i dont like talking about politics but before i knew it it exploded into a huge fight… luckily it’s resolved, but i think my friend realized why we shouldn’t talk politics
everyone should be respectful regardless!
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@Lindsay, Respect is key…nice to see you worked it out!
What a great post. I have noticed that many bloggers are taking great offense when others may not agree with their political views. This election will pass and I hope we can all move forward. This is one of those times that we need to step back and count to 10 before we voice opinions to fast.
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@Cricket, count to 10 gives us time to think before we speak…great tip!
I have been struggling with this issue. I don’t usually talk politics with friends, but I do feel compelled to share my views as we are weeks away from a very historical election.
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@Stacey, I share my opinions with the ones who don’t take it personal. A historical election indeed!
Amen, amen, and amen!!
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@Munchkins and Music,
CANT WAIT FOR IT TO BE OVER….already voted
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@MizFit, Almost there!
Politics, religion and reproductive rights. Hot topics, election or not. It’s hard not to get hot under the collar but it’s also important to remember to always acknowledge others’ POV without trying to judge them for having alternative thoughts or interests.
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@Miz Liz, Fantastic advice…thank you!
Agree! Just respect and accept their point of view and let them speak freely.
@Rosabel, it is ok to disagree.
I would say that we should agree to disagree on ‘hot topics’, and that is generally my rule. However, I have discovered that some topics are best avoided all together. The Urbane Lion and I, for example, do NOT discuss the English/French issue in Canada. And that’s okay. I don’t mind discussing any topic with people, but the trick is to learn when to back away..sometimes run away…from the conversation. I’m at a point in my life where I have no need to cram my opinions down another person’s throat. It’s really all about acceptance and maturity, isn’t it? Good post, Mark. Thanks.
@Urban Panther, Excellent points! Thank you!
I like your tips. I try to just avoid talking politics with people who have different views than me if they’re my friends- it makes things much easier.
But I do love hearing why people believe in one candidate or party over another. It really makes you think about whats important to people!
@Sagan, I like to hear other peoples opinions…it doesn’t bother me if my opinions differ. Confuses me though…
Good Message! I worried about putting a yard sign for my candidate, but finally did as I didn’t want to compromise myself for fear of avoiding conflict. None of my friends and neighbors have dumped me yet, or even tried to start an argument
or even stolen my sign. All is well and peaceful. knock wood
@Juiceboxmom, Good for you….must have fantastic neighbors!
I am with Sagan – I tend to avoid talking politics if I know there will be a conflict. Unless someone asks me why I believe in one candidate over another – then I will tell them what I think! This election is really stirring things, but I am glad that it seems that so many more folks are getting involved.
@Missicat, Great points!
I avoid political talk, and try not to listen.
It just makes me mad. Sometimes I even find myself arguing with the people with whom I agree. Not good.
@Dr. Hubbard, Sometimes good to avoid all together. Thanks!
I love it Mark! Personally I just don’t really discuss politics at all–or if I do it is brief. Seems the safest bet to me!
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@KD, Safest indeed!
Good reminder Mark-friendship is much more important than politics!
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@Tipper, absolutely!
Mark – I linked this post on my blog today.
Thanks!
IzzyBeth
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@IzzBeth, I Saw that…thanks!
Excellent points! I’m surrounded at work by people of the opposite party, and I’ve found it’s better to just avoid discussing political issues with them.
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@Cammy, Politics can heat things up, sometimes best to avoid the discussion ..yup.
This is a a great point but I’m not sure I want to do it. I try not to make friends with the other side. It’s one of my first questions.
hahaha
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@POD,
I refuse to let politics get in the way of my friendships. Its not worth it. I use the AGREE to DISAGREE technique!
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@meleah rebeccah, Agree to disagree! Absolutely!
I’m ready for it to be over. And I agree, we should all agree that it’s ok to disagree. Unforunately…that’s not always the case.
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@Lance, I am ready for it to be over as well!
I remember at election time (Australia) last year this sort of thing came up. I made sure I finnished every conversation with a line like “I guess we’re about to find out”. A year on I think I can safetly say that I was right. Not that I ever do.
Down here the US election is a common topic and a safe one. Most people treat it like a soap opera.
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@Gabrielle, it is like a soap opera!
I am going to be honest here. I tell everyone that their political choice does not bother me but when I feel like the person they like is an idiot I have a bit of a hard time with it but always keep it to myself. Why do politics sometimes bring out the worst in us?
@Heidi, honesty can be good!
Hi!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’ve got to spend some time lurking around yours as I’ve already read over some fantastic reads as well!
Have a great week end!
I try not to talk about politics if I know that my friends are not on the same side. That way everyone is happy hanging out with each other.
I agree. I was in a relationship with a guy (for 10 months!) and we had different political views. It was never a problem for me. I respected his views, and he teased me about mine. It worked out fine.
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