How long will cutting ties continue to be the way people deal with others who do not share their same political views?
I’ve been unfriended by numerous acquaintances on Facebook over the years for sharing my conservative-leaning political views. Normally I shrug off the diminishing number of “friends” since they are just acquaintances. But recently I was appalled after being unfriended by my high school best friend.
I had actually toned down on posting political content on my personal Facebook page since the 2016 presidential election because of the division politics were causing between family and friends. I started funneling my political views into political groups, rather than my personal domain.
Every so often, though, I can’t help but share my opinion on hot topics with friends and family. I recently shared that I supported Kavanaugh, and immediately I was met with backlash from left-leaning acquaintances. I was unfriended by five people within a matter of days, which included my best friend. The odd thing was that she did not message me at all or share her views, she just unfriended me.
The last time we had spoken was a couple years ago when we said we would visit each other if we were ever close by. She had been living in Germany, and I had actually made it a point to visit her within the next few years. Essentially I was a connection for her to visit the far north of Scandinavia, a place she had expressed interest in. I guess I am not a resource for her now!
I understand I will make more friends in the future, but I’ve realized people are in low places to cut ties with childhood friends who have been there for them.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists and GunSafetySociety.org. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.