My Best Friend Is A Republican, But I Don't Love Her Any Less Because Of It
Start writing a post
Politics

My Best Friend Is A Republican, But I Don't Love Her Any Less Because Of It

We may not always agree, but that is okay.

45
My Best Friend Is A Republican, But I Don't Love Her Any Less Because Of It
Theduran.com

Politics weren’t my strong suit growing up, and they still aren't. Throughout high school, I thought I wanted to go to college and study law, but then I realized how confrontational it was.

Coming to college helped me realize that many people were outspoken about their opinions. Politically, if two people didn’t agree, it was decided that they probably weren’t going to be very good friends. Individuals with political views that were “right wing” were viewed as selfish and sexist; while individuals with political views that were “left wing” were viewed as fair and giving.

It was black and white; I believed this.

I gave into what everyone in college had painted people as because of what they believed, despite being taught in high school that political views do not determine what type of person someone is.

It took me until my third year in college to completely forget and create my own views of people. I met my best friend through my sorority. We were introduced fall semester of my junior year. We became super close during formal recruitment season. Something about spending long hours talking to PNMs (Potential New Members) and staying up late at your house brings you closer to those in your sorority. This was all during the time of the presidential election, Hillary vs. Trump. Anyone who wanted Trump as president was viewed as racist, sexist, and close-minded individuals who were selfish and rich. It didn't help that those who were actually racist and sexist were always wearing Trump propaganda in the media and on my own college campus.

She and I got closer, I started hanging out with the friend group she was involved in and I realized we had a lot in common. I considered her one of my best friends. I confided in her about a lot of things and vice versa. One night we were crafting for our future littles, discussing how great this year was going to be for our sorority when the topic of politics came up due to a meme on twitter. That was when I found out.

She supported Trump.

A girl I had considered my best friend. I had confided in her. We had gone to parties and bars together.

But she supported Trump.

That's when I realized, I was wrong. I had judged an entire group of people based off their views. Granted, my views were centrist and I didn't really like either candidate, but I had judged people because they did.

She wasn't racist.

She wasn't sexist.

She never made me feel less than a person because of who I was on the outside. If anything, she stood up for me (which she continues to do even now) when someone judged me.

I was in the wrong.

From that moment, I realized something. Yes, some Trump supporters are all the horrible things I mentioned above, but some Hillary supporters are as well. I have to form my opinions and views on people individually, not base them off of what the media tells me they are or what the people I go to college think about them. So with that, I'd like to say one thing.

I apologize.

I am sorry I misjudged you. Thank you for being one of the greatest best friends I have.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89984
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62179
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments