Here’s the real truth about being a millennial and having a political opinion. The unfortunate thing is that millennials, myself included, are very stubborn and we do not like to be wrong. Therefore, we often argue with people who oppose our views rather than listening to them. I have experienced this on multiple occasions.

I personally do not align with the “typical” views of my generation, as the common political views of millennial are very liberal. According to research from Bentley University, the millennial generation is the most liberal generation to exist to date. Not aligning with the views of my peers has not always been easy.

I’ve heard a lot of people my age say that they don’t want to be friends with conservatives or guys say that they wouldn’t date a girl who is a Trump supporter. What I’ve noticed among millennials is that the word “Republican” seems to be a “dirty” word when said in a group setting. People immediately make a face or develop an opinion about someone who says that they are a Republican and is a millennial, and that is not okay.

We need to stop this trend. Having different political views than someone else is okay! You are allowed to have an opinion that doesn’t align with those of the majority! No one should be able to put you down for having an opinion. With our generation, we are unfortunately able to hide behind a computer or phone screen, which gives people the confidence to say something that they honestly would never say in person.

We share a politically biased article on Facebook or we post our opinions about Kaepernick taking a knee during the anthem, and almost immediately those with the opposing view have backlash and judgment. It shouldn’t have to be that way. We should be able to talk about politics and not feel worried or concerned that our peers will be angry with us.

I'm tired of hearing people tell me that I can't be a woman and align my views with those of Republicans. Yes, I can. This is the United States, and the Constitution's first amendment gives me the right to believe what I would like to believe.

I'm tired of having my peers question how I can feel the way that I do on certain issues when they are so biased against Republicans that they cannot clearly see that I am thinking with my own mind and choosing a side based on what I personally believe.

Being a Democrat or being a Republican does not mean that a person has the same exact beliefs as all Democrats or all Republicans. Many millennials assume that by claiming to be one or the other means that every single viewpoint that they hear in the media is something that all Republicans or all Democrats agree with. Of course, that philosophy is not necessarily true because everyone has their own mind and it is impossible for so many people to truly agree on all of the same issues in the same way.

I personally have lost multiple friends over this past 2016 election. Although I understand that many people my age were less than thrilled with the results, it is not okay for anyone to be angry with someone who agrees with the presidential choice.

The day after the election, people ages 14-18 at my high school sat during the anthem, protested, and even cried at school over the results of the election. So many people were unhappy that the people who approve of Trump felt as though they could not express their happiness regarding the President.

It’s honestly frustrating to feel so shut down by your peers when it comes to politics. Feeling like you’ll be yelled at for sharing your views in casual conversation is not something that is okay.

We, as US Citizens, should be proud of our politics and we should feel open to hearing others’ views. Hearing from others, especially those whose views oppose yours, will broaden your horizons and allow for a more balanced political spectrum.

So millennials, be proud, be open, this is America: land of the free, home of the brave.