Odessa

That is a big question.

I have always operated under the premise that friends do not always have to agree. However, it is important when they don't agree that they respect each others opinion and that they are willing to listen to other's side. I have a particular friend that we frequently "agree to disagree" when the discussion becomes heated. This has sustained our relationship for close to 20 yrs.

Think how boring life would be if we all agreed with each other. I am not the smartest person around, nor am I stupid. I do not come to many of my decisions lightly, so I do not think it is unreasonable for my friends to at least respect my opinion and agree that it has some level of validity. I also feel the same of my friends. The problem comes in when two people are so diametrically opposed that one party or both feels the other is calling them something unflattering - whether it be stupid or bigoted or low-classed.

The recent political climate has been more than a little passionate.
When people are afraid of losing their jobs, their homes, the ability to put food on their tables, they tend to become even more passionate. However we need to realize that the election is over, the votes have been cast, and we need to focus on how to work with what we have. Slinging mud, calling people names and threatening people will not help.

I'm not sure I have any really good answers for problems right now, but I do know that we all need our friends more than ever - even those we don't agree with.