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We're Republicans But Our Friends Are Democrats — Here's How We All Still Get Along

The difference in our political views will not separate us.

Jenna Salemie

and

Natalie Shumate

Apr 13, 2020

Missouri State University

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We're Republicans But Our Friends Are Democrats — Here's How We All Still Get Along

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Hi, our names our Natalie and Jenna. We are both Republican. Our friends... not so much. How do we deal with the tension and differing opinions? How can we have friends and relationships with different viewpoints? Well, we will tell you.

First, let's meet the panel:

What party do you identify with and why?

Jenna: I am very conservative and consider myself a Republican. Many of my beliefs align with their party, and I really agree with their leadership and ideas.

Natalie: I identify with the Republican Party because I believe that that party is what's going to make America better.

What party do most of your friends identify with?

Jenna: I feel like every single one of my friends are Democrats, but I know that's not true. So I guess you could say that almost all of my friends are democratic.

Natalie: It's pretty 50/50. Some friends are Republican and some are Democratic, but I try not to let politics help me decide who I do and don't want to be friends with.

Do you share the same political views with your parents?

Jenna: My parents have always been really conservative. I feel like being raised in a conservative home somewhat shaped who I am today. I don't agree with everything my parents believe, but we are all Republican and vote for the same candidates.

Natalie: Yes, I have the same beliefs as my parents. However, I will say that I was raised in a household where my parents would never push me to believe anything. They want me to believe in the things I do because of logic and reason, not because "that's how I was raised."

How do you maintain a healthy relationship with friends who have differing views?

Jenna: My friends and I rarely talk about our political views with one another, because we know it's a personal thing and we will all think differently. If we do start talking about a topic, like abortion, things can get pretty heated. In this situation, I never bash them or their beliefs. I simply state mine. If they don't agree, fine. It's their opinion.

Natalie: Like I said before, I don't let politics play a part in my friendships. If someone I'm friends with has differing views than me and they start degrading me or pushing their beliefs down my throat, I cut them off.

How do you handle the friends who shame you for your political beliefs?

Jenna: If my friends shame me for something I believe in, I don't consider them a friend. Friends should accept each other and never put another down. The moment they start shaming me, they're gone.

Natalie: I stick up for what I believe in so if someone shames me for my beliefs, I defend myself. I don't ever resort to name-calling or trying to be blatantly mean, but I do defend myself.

How should people treat others with differing views than themselves?

Jenna: Always always always treat others with respect. If a conversation sparks about political differences, keep things political and not let the conversation get too personal or relational. In the end, if someone doesn't believe exactly what you do, either accept them for what they believe or don't talk to them. Do anything accept confront them and start a fight.

Natalie: Everyone has the right to their own opinion and politics do play a huge role in the U.S. Personally, the best thing for me to do is know where I stand and where the other person stands. If I know we can't have a civil conversation without fighting over our beliefs, then I won't even bring up my political beliefs unless I'm asked.

Just remember that everyone has different beliefs, and that's OK! Don't sabotage your friendships or relationships just because you don't agree on who should be running the country.

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We're Republicans But Our Friends Are Democrats — Here's How We All Still Get Along

The difference in our political views will not separate us.

What party do you identify with and why?

What party do most of your friends identify with?

Do you share the same political views with your parents?

How do you maintain a healthy relationship with friends who have differing views?

How do you handle the friends who shame you for your political beliefs?

How should people treat others with differing views than themselves?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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