Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why do you have to "handle" your friends? Respect the difference in opinions and move on.
This!
If you start with the assumption that your views are just relevant to you and have no application to how others feel you will not have a problem.
I don't feel that I am some sort of fountain of wisdom.
I have close friends who have major differences with me on politics and other issue. We don't view our opinions as infallible and once you adopt that attitude it removes a lot of friction.
OP, this +100
You need to be more open to others with different views and opinions and realize your views are meaningless beyond yourself.
I agree with this. It's easier to have friends with opposing views if you let go of the notion that you *know* the truth and have to educate people.
However, the problem is if you have a friend who does consider himself/herself a fountain of wisdom, infallible, and simply won't stop trying to tell you what to believe. It's not much different than cult-like religious types who are always trying to push their religion on you -- even when you have said that you just want to agree to disagree on that. I've known people like that politically. They think they have some moral imperative to show you the way (politically) and they won't let up.
At that point, you have to either limit contact or just altogether cut off the relationship.
Being open to other views and agreeing to disagree only works if both you and the friend at the very least are willing to not proselytize. That isn't always the case.