To my friend who sees things differently than me:

Thank you for your friendship. In the times we live in every one seems to be picking sides and even though we don't agree in our beliefs you haven't left my side. When we converse you listen intently to my opinions, always offering your side, always careful in your choice of words. I appreciate you and your friendship

Having these conversations is important if we genuinely want to learn from one another. And if at the end of the day we both have not reached a conclusion or changed the mind of the other person, at least we opened our minds enough to talk about these issues and beliefs in the first place. It's these small victories that count.

I admire your passion for your beliefs, understand that I am passionate as well and we will get in heated and sometimes intense arguments. That doesn't mean I think you are a lesser person or someone I can't be friends with. I enjoy hearing your views that challenge mine! Our conversations make me realize why I believe what I do. They also ground me and help me understand your point of view better.

Dear friend, even though some days I wish I could change your mind, I wouldn't be where I am as a person without you. There does not have to be a choosing of sides, I can care about you, love you and support you while carrying a different set of beliefs than you. I wish more people understood that. I hope we continue to have our conversations and continue to help each other grow despite the world preaching that we cannot be friends.

Thank you for sticking by me even when we don't see eye to eye. That's what makes you a true friend and true friends are worth fighting for.