This is an article I clenched my jaw while writing; I've put off writing it, I've done some serious soul searching and constant rewriting to complete it. To be frank, when seeing who our president elect was I did not know how to move past the feeling of despair and hopelessness. I felt nothing but despair, along with anger, and flat out fear. I've grown so weary of this year's events, both personally and politically, and I know this is true for so many of my friends and family. I truly never thought this would happen. But, it did. Donald Trump will be our president for the next four years.

One of the things I've emphasized to friends and family who seem to not understand the outrage surrounding Trump's future presidency is just how personal this election was. Sure, I'll be okay; I'm a white woman who comes from a decent amount of money and I'm pursuing a career that will allow me to live quite "freely". But Donald Trump has made his stances clear. I ache for my Muslim family and friends, for my gay friends, for my black friends. These issues aren't just about taxes and gas prices. Donald Trump is not yet president and has not yet put any policies in place. The media could have absolutely shown only the worst sides of who Donald Trump is. But what I'm most afraid of (and I think I speak for many) is the image we're putting forth by electing him president. I'm scared by doing so, we're saying sexual assault is something you can get away with. By doing so, we're reversing the years of effort we've put into establishing equal rights for the LGBTQIA community. By doing so, we're agreeing that putting up a wall is the best way to solve relationships. Past presidents have had their fair share of scandals and affairs, too. But does that make it right? Is this what we have grown to accept?

So, how do you separate relationships you share with family and friends from the beliefs they hold on such imperative issues in such a critical time? People supporting certain sides to these topics often have a very good reason. It's all personal. It's truly this reason as to why I feel such struggle with the whole "we must unite" concept. But after only a day, I'm beginning to understand what it could potentially mean to remain divided. Wanting to move away is flat out giving up. It's saying I'm ashamed to be an American. It's greedy, and selfish. I came to a realization that I was full of sorrow and mourning for a country who is not dead. People should be more fueled now than ever before, regardless of their political stance.

I don't honestly think that we can separate the views from the person; I don't think that's how we come together. Instead, keep the person attached to the views and learn to respect each other for them. Engage in constructive conversation. We have to start educating each other and helping each other overcome the emotions we feel. Help each other learn what this election means in each other's eyes. One of the most striking statistics I've seen regarding the election is that around 50% of Democrats stated they were actually fearful of the Republican party. The Republican party said the same thing with a near identical percentage. That means nearly 100% of our nation is fearful of each other.

Where does the respect start? In the mirror. Yes, you have every right to state your fear, your despair, and your disheartening posts and comments. Those who voted for Trump have every right to rejoice just as well. It is not fair to ask people to be silenced by what's transposed in the past week. However, you likely know who voted for which candidate among those you have daily encounters with. Respect how they're feeling, no matter what. Offer comfort, for many of them are hurting. Offer an open door to understanding. Offer peace and love. Our country so desperately needs it.

I am not telling you to give up. We cannot give up. We will not let this defeat us. We need to understand what our role is here. Our role is to educate each others and to be open to listening. To extend support and release our judgments we hold. Let us all take this day by day. To love with urgency, not with haste.