A thought on disagreements and friends
It boggles my mind sometimes how people will completely cut someone out of their life just because of a disagreement. The minute they don't 100% agree and get along with someone, it's like they never knew them.
If a friend or acquaintance disagrees with you, that doesn't mean you should cut off all contact with them, or treat them any different than before. Disagreements are perfectly natural and reasonable, and if anything, it's a good sign indicative that you're both able to think for yourselves, reach your own conclusions, and feel there is enough mutual respect in the relationship that this disagreement won't destroy it. If they're reasonable, level-headed, and not intrusive over the disagreement, then there is no need whatsoever to end the relationship. I disagree with most of my best friends on a lot of things ranging from small topics like which Mass Effect crewmember to save, to big topics like politics and economics. I still love them though, because we're all intelligent, reasonable people that don't let disagreements ruin a good friendship.
Even if it's something that's truly black-and-white and clear-cut about what is and isn't right, excommunicating someone that is otherwise a reasonable, rational person that you otherwise get along with and have common interests with because of one issue is unhealthy. Doing so because of trivial issues like not liking video game storyline X or thinking actor Y deserved the Oscar more than Leonardio DiCaprio actor Z is even unhealthier.
If you burn every bridge that has a single rotten plank, very soon you'll find yourself on an island by yourself.
- 9
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