I have lived in the South all my life, and I recognized early on that my views were far different than most people around me. My parents, especially my father, never really told me their own beliefs because they reared me to seek my own answers and form my own opinions without being influenced by theirs. By the time I got to my junior year of high school, I was firm in my belief system, but I definitely struggled with being different from everyone else.
Because there are very few liberals in the South, it has always been difficult for me to find my place. I'm very opinionated, and I don't hide it, so learning when and when not to speak was quite a process. I can get really heated, as most do, when it comes to politics. However, I have recently learned the best ways to be liberal in the South without being bitter toward everyone who isn't.
Accept that you won't always fit in.
Accept that you are a part of the minority instead of denying it. If you compromise yourself so you fit in instead of allowing people to enjoy you for your true self, you won't ever find your place. It's okay if you don't fit in. That doesn't mean you won't have friends and it doesn't mean you won't be happy. You will still have many ways to find common ground with people. Just because you don't fit in in one aspect doesn't mean you can't fit in another way.
2. Find your fellow liberals and hold tight.
When you find them, and you will, hold on tight. Some of my closest friends are liberals and I treasure their friendship deeply. They will be there when you want to bounce around ideas, talk about politics, bond over viewpoints, or even vent about the other side. It's always refreshing to be around like-minded people, so make sure you find that outlet. It will prove necessary as you grow and develop your own opinions. Be there for each other because it's hard to be in a minority and feel alone and you'll need the support.
3. Don't be afraid to date a conservative.
Just as you shouldn't be afraid to be friends with a conservative, you also shouldn't be afraid to date one. Just because he or she isn't of a liberal mindset doesn't mean you aren't compatible. It's fun to have debates and bounce ideas around with your significant other. I dated a conservative for two years, and he was an amazing human being and our political views had absolutely nothing to do with our ending. If I had shut him out because he was a conservative, I would have missed out on two unforgettable years of my life.
4. Accept that everyone has different opinions and that is OK.
Recognize that while it is significant to have strong opinions, it isn't necessary for everyone to have the same views as you. People are not on this earth for you to convert them. They are entitled to their own opinions and their own lives and it is not your job to change them. It is your job to try, to the best of your ability, to live in harmony with them. Also, Facebook is not the place to have a political debate, so don't comment on every post you see. In fact, most of the time don't comment at all. Their views are just as strong as yours, so what you say, most likely, won't make a difference. Unless someone posts something untrue, or you feel it's absolutely necessary to voice your opinion on Facebook, it's usually best to keep it to yourself.
Allow people to be who they are and leave them be. Stay open minded to them and accept them for their views. If you spend your time shutting people out because they aren't liberal, you're going to miss out on some truly wonderful people. Political views do not define a person.
5. Know that you're allowed to voice your opinion.
Just because you are in a predominately conservative area of the country does not, in any way, mean your voice should be silenced. You should be confident in who you are and you should stay confident in the face of opposition. However, recognize when it is appropriate to participate in a debate and when it is best to simply say, "Let's agree to disagree." Don't risk losing a relationship of any sort over differences of political opinion. Respect others and they will respect you.
Never was J.K. Rowling more right than when she wrote, "Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open." We all have, generally, the same goals in life and politics should not let us lose sight of that. I know it's hard to live in a world where people question your sanity when you tell them you're liberal or when you feel like you can't relate to most of your peers, but just remember Rowling's words. Keep your heart open to all walks of life. Not only will it shape you into a well-rounded individual, but it will also introduce you to a much happier lifestyle.
