Dear Old Friends,

I'm writing this not because I'm angry or because I don't wish you well. In fact, I hope your life IS going well and I'm sorry that our differences in opinions separated us to the extent that it did - but maybe that's what was supposed to happen.

Unfortunately, the 2016 election was killer; seemingly half of the nation divided one way and the other half another - or that's how it seemed toward the end of the brutal season. As a millennial, a Hispanic, and a female, I realize that my choice in who I chose to vote for was not the expected way to vote.

But, I'm one to break stereotypes, and I guess that's the biggest one of all.

I'm not ashamed of who I voted for and I'm not ashamed of why I voted for him. Contrary to some of the things I've been told, I do know what I "got myself into," and I am aware of the happenings in his choice of character. But, I look at what goes on inside the halls of the White House, what happens at the desk of the Oval Office, and what is said at the podiums of where our president gives his speeches and addresses. His personal life is his personal life and I'm not one to judge because frankly, that's not my place - nor anyone else's.

However, even though differences of opinions may have separated us, I still respect you and what you stand for. Please don't confuse that with agreement, because if it was, then I wouldn't be writing this letter. It's unfortunate that friendships (some fairly long-term) were compromised because of an event where views were able to be expressed freely. But maybe that needed to happen to show that our personalities just don't mesh anymore - or at least not like they used to.

I won't try to convince you that "he IS your president." I won't try to sway you my way or shame you for voting the way that I didn't. I won't tell you you're wrong or mock you because you don't believe the same thing as me. The truth is, this amazing country is run by freedom of speech. But, this means that I have my freedom as well as you and it is just as important as yours even if some may not see it as "popular."

I hope you're doing well and succeeding in your life. Even though this election sifted through some friends and friend groups, know that I don't judge you or condemn you for voting one way or viewing the world in a different way than I do. I hope we CAN agree, however, that our voices are both important, they need to be heard, and I hope that neither of us gives up standing up for what we believe in.

All the best,

Your Trump-Supporting Ex-Friend