One of the first things you learn about a person, whether asking intentionally or not, is a rough summary of their political views. It’s an easy go-to for conversation and always seems to bring people together...while simultaneously tearing them apart and successfully angering everyone involved in said conversation.
For this reason and an internal need to please everyone, I absolutely despise discussing politics with anyone. And when I say anyone, I mean family included because my family has such extremely right winged views that I'm almost scared to open my mouth against them.
Being a college student surrounded by left winged peers though, I also find it hard to discuss the topic with friends as I'll disagree with them just as often as my family.
So when the question arises as to which political party I identify with or when a discussion of views comes up in conversation, I always seem to be quite the enigma to anyone around me. Not because my views are so radical or odd, but because they seem to agree with both sides, hence my newfound silence with political topics.
One of the biggest surprises to people is that no, I'm not going to argue with you about which side is better than the other. Sure, I'll sit idly by and listen as you tell me all about your opinion for or against the passing of a law, but not once will I share my own opinion for fear of angering you or the people around me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm probably one of the most politically opinionated people you could ever meet, a lack of discussing my views doesn't mean they're nonexistent. If I thought others could go into the discussion of politics with as clear of a mind as I wish we could, I would openly shout my views from the rooftops.
That's just it though, no matter how many times we tell people we won't get offended by their views, there will still be people ending friendships over something as simple as which candidate their friend voted for in the last election.
I understand, the election was huge and will probably be one of the most historic elections to date. It was just such a controversial discussion that I didn't feel safe claiming either side of the vote. Yes, I did vote in the election, but no, I will not be sharing with anyone which candidate received my vote because me telling you wouldn't change the results, but it might change our future interactions.
People will always have their own stance on a topic, and for me to share mine only to have you explain why I'm wrong or to retaliate with your own viewpoint without my asking is just so unnecessary to me.
So sure, go ahead and tell me all about how you completely support or are against gay marriage, that's great for you and I'm so glad you feel that way. I'm just aware that telling you how I feel about it or arguing with you over such a sensitive subject won't change your opinion in any way.
You have your own idea of right and wrong and have gathered evidence periodically throughout your life to form the perspective you take. Why would I waste 10 minutes of my life telling a different side that you don't care about nearly as much or try to convert years of hardwiring that led you to your conclusion?