Now is not the time for hate. It is not the time to viciously attack each other with our words or our bodies. These brutal assaults on each other are not what our country, or our world needs. Our world, now more than ever, needs hope, light and friendship sprouting from all corners of the planet.

While I have not been personally attacked, I have seen what others have gone through. Over the past few weeks, I have seriously debated deleting my Facebook account. I have seen individuals get into heated debates, insulting each other's character and dignity, all based upon which box they checked on election day. News flash: we all are brought up differently, we all develop different beliefs, and we need to learn how to talk about these beliefs in a civil manner.

There's a reason I don't talk politics. There's a reason I have stayed far away from political conversations with my friends or in class. It seems as if, as soon as someone voices who they are voting for or with which party they align their beliefs, automatic judgments are made. Why would I want someone to judge me based off of one simple aspect of my life, rather than my character, values or experiences?

Whether I like it or not, I know that people are going to judge me. It's unrealistic to think that all of these judgments will be positive, but I would rather have their final conclusions about my character be made through the interactions they've had with me instead of split-second, dismissive decisions.

Whether you're pro-Trump or #WithHer, it is important to remember that we have to be respectful and patient with our fellow citizens. If people want to express themselves, it is their right to express themselves. Do not call others hateful names just because you don't agree. The truth of the matter is, you probably look like a larger douchebag if you respond to a post and start an argument with someone you barely know. So, to avoid all of that, simply be a good person and scroll past it. It'll save everyone a lot of time and anger.

We don't have time to argue about the results of the election. There are bigger problems in the world, and in each of our lives, that need to be addressed sooner than later. Think about your relationships with your family, friends and, most importantly, yourself. Do any of those need improving? If you can honestly answer no, then you're a very lucky person. If you are like the vast majority of us and answered yes, then work on addressing those issues first.

At this point, there is nothing we can do but wait for a Trump presidency to start and end. It's very clear that the next four years are going to be very interesting for American citizens and the world, but as President Obama said in his speech, "We're not Democrats first, we're not Republicans first, we are Americans first." Behind each person who voted last Tuesday, there are different experiences they have had and different values they hold dear. Do not drastically change your opinions of others based upon who they voted for. They are not an entirely different person after checking off one little box.