Hi Anita,

Thank you for your input. Yes, you hit the nail on the head about Trump. He is nothing short of a danger. I mainly just try to stick to posts that are fact-checked and undeniably awful, as I would hope anyone with common sense will see how absolutely terrible Trump is for this country as well as the world and our democracy. And I was guilty of generalizing at first, saying things like “Anyone who supports this needs to reevaluate…” etc. But when my first friend mentioned that, I really put an end to that way of speaking, and tried to stick to my own beliefs and feelings, such as my second example of why I think Biden is a decent human being. Or why I believe taking climate change seriously is so important right now. I am really making the effort to have one on one discussions when people don’t see eye to eye, as I know that no one’s mind will change from reading a Facebook post. But you’re right, people who support Trump will not be swayed no matter what, and that’s where I’m starting to question these friendships a little. It’s not so much that everyone needs to agree with me, but our values are quite different and I am really shocked at some of the things Trump does that they acknowledge and SUPPORT (i.e. immigration, foreign policy, tax cuts for the rich). I think all parties (my friends and I) are struggling with this part. We love each other and are loyal friends but WOW we are very differently minded now.

I agree, now that we all know where we stand, that the best thing for our friendship is not to discuss politics. BUT my problem is I wasn’t even discussing it with them originally. I was expressing myself on my own page and they took offense when it wasn’t directed towards them at all, ever. So now I’ve gone and removed myself entirely from Facebook because I care that much about not wanting to cause offense. But I’m feeling a bit cheated like I wasn’t even writing those things FOR THEM specifically, just for myself and to speak my own mind. Now I am just turned off to social media in general but feel like I need to find another way to speak out… and probably a more constructive way to do so. It also just leaves a bad taste in my mouth knowing that my friends are secretly ok with this. Funny enough, neither one is politically outspoken, which is why they both took it up with me in private mostly. I guess the old saying is true, never discuss religion, politics or money with friends.