The 2016 election is something that we can’t escape, and it is still months away. Being that tensions have never seemed to be this high between people and their want to push political views on others, it is time to draw some lines. This upcoming election does determine the future of our country, but it should not be determining your relationships with loved ones because of differing views. We all have specific views for a reason, it is our right to have our own views, but it is not our right to cut others down because their beliefs are different from ours. Whether it is your friends or family that you find yourself butting heads with over political differences, for the sake of your important relationships, please stop talking politics.

If you are one who loves bashing others with different beliefs or thinks anyone who has beliefs opposite of yours is wrong or unintelligent then know that is not the case. Different lifestyles and different life experiences have brought people to a certain set of beliefs for their adult lives. We have all lived different lives, seen different things, experienced different experiences, and only we truly know why we feel the way we feel. You do not have to explain yourself to those committed to misunderstanding you, they are not in it to open their thinking, they’re in it to push views on you that you just don’t have. This is America; we have the right to have open thinking and free speech! You believe as strongly in your beliefs as the person next to you, even if they aren’t the same.

I have seen one too many normal Facebook posts simply stating beliefs, following with comments from others who don’t believe the same things, commenting just to attack the person in every way they can. No amount of Facebook rants or cutting people down on social media, at family functions, or in the office will make people see things the way you do. Nothing is wrong with a good old-fashioned respectful debate of political views but if it is going to get so heated that it will end in negative feelings towards someone, ditch the political talk with the ones you love or the people you associate yourself with.

I am not saying you shouldn’t go on social media and voice your views I am just saying it may be more trouble then it is worth, not everyone is willing to accept the fact that not everyone has the same views. Until this election is over, unless there is an established mutual respect and an agree-to-disagree type of mindset, I suggest you voice your political beliefs in a way that will have purpose. Politics are not worth losing friends or loved ones over. Take your passion and give it purpose. Use your voice to ensue change and growth, not hate. We have specific political beliefs because of different life experiences. Remember that, and respect that.