Among Friends

[lOVETOSHOP]

I agree that ending a friendship over something like this would be a mistake.  If your friend is referring to political discussions, I can't say I blame her.  Everyone is passionate in their beliefs, especially involving religion or politics.  If people don't agree, a conversation on either subject could become very heated and upsetting.  I know from experience....my father-in-law always starts political conversations when he knows I don't agree with his views...and at family dinners and get togethers, no less!  I don't see the need to even discuss the subject....there are soooo many other things to talk about and I feel like he's being very bullying in pursuing this type of behavior! 

It's so easy to just not talk about things that you don't see eye-to-eye on...and still be friends.  That's what makes us all individuals, after all, our right to believe what we want to and for others to respect that.

[chrystaltree]

I don't know the woman and it's a no brainer to me.  She doesn't want to talk about the election or either of the two candidates.  It doesn't sound like you are close to the woman at all.  If you were, you would just asked her what she's referring too.  Most of us actually.....talk to our friends.

[stargazergal]

I had a friend with whom we were on opposite spectrums of some political

views.... I too.... asked we keep politics out of our conversations... it just

became too much for me to take.... so I put it out there ~~~  some people

enjoy talking non stop about politicians, and fingerpointing...  I would much

rather enjoy my day not consuming myself with all that is wrong with our

government on a daily basis as she seemed to do when ever we

would hang out..... yes.... I asked kindly that we keep politics out of

our conversations...... for Peace of mind for ME ! 

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

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@Mistreatedbycs wrote:

So we've known each for years, she has a grown family and recently divorced after a number of years.  We see each other about twice a year sharing lunches and dinners for our birthdays.  Since her divorce we've seen each other for coffee and she helped me move and other little things.  I've always been grateful and repaid her with either a small gift or even an occasional get together quick dinner and said "I'll pay". 

I've asked her to help me this week and she said only if I don't talk about current events, I said "sure".   Now I'm thinking, what has changed, why can't I be just me, why would I have to limit my conversation to what she wants....I don't think I want her as a friend anymore...don't friends accept you the way you are?

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@Mistreatedbycs

I found your comments a bit shocking ....  if you have to control the conversation, or you just don't feel accepted .... well, where is YOUR flexibility?    I suspect that she, like many of us, is suffering from "election burnout".   

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[Sooner]

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@Hooty wrote:

If you are that close of friends, ask her what exactly did she mean about not bringing up current events!  Many on here have said, if you cannot accept that, then you are not a friend  ........  why does a friendship have to be one-sided   ...........  why should you have to walk on "egg shells" just to not mention topics that she is not interested in hearing, that IMO, is not a friendship, you should accept each other as they are, not try to change them!

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I don't think it is something she is "not interested in hearing."  I see it as an issue that is very contentious and winds up with people fighting and arguing about.  Who wants that with a friend?  I sure don't!   Walking on egg shells can be a very good thing to maintain a friendship!  Or maybe staying away from egg shells I should say. . . 

[ROMARY]

Current events of all types can be draining.  Just too much out there regarding just about everything.  World-wide, nation-wide, locally, etc.   Just too much.  I have so many (maybe fifty-a hundred) large, 8x10 glossy postcards on my porch, in my mailbox, door-to-door.  I haven't even looked at them yet.  I really don't know how I'm going to be able to figure it all out. ............ Anyway, could be that your friend wants to spend special time with you, just enjoying your company, without any 'current events' being mentioned.  Maybe a nice leisurely walk in a local park, viewing nature, maybe stopping for a cup of coffee and a light lunch...........maybe she wants to have a very nice time.