Interstate highways are one of the greatest innovations of American history. It's pretty amazing to think that most Americans can drive a relatively short distance to get on a highway that connects to a massive network of interconnecting roadways that can get us to any part of the country in a fairly effective manner. I love the U.S. Interstate highway system. Thank you, Ike!
I Incense Idiots
I'll admit that I've lost a few friends on Facebook over the years and likely have lost a reader or so on my blog because people didn't like something I said. Maybe I should say that what I might have said at some time or other completely outraged those who read it. As far as I'm concerned, they are idiots. Yeah, if they are silly enough to unfriend me, diss me, dismiss me, or whatever they want to do to me just because I'm logical and they're not then oh well--it's all of our loss even though it's not world-ending loss and it's because they are apparently idiots.
Several such people I don't really know, but the ones that I have actually known in real life I kind of wonder if they were really people I could have called friends. People I thought of as friends for as much as fifty years now won't answer my phone calls or emails. I guess they are not friends anymore. Or maybe never really were. I miss them in a way, But they got incensed over things I believe in. I incense idiots.
Have you lost any friends over your opinions? What is the friend with whom you have had the longest relationship? As you get older do you find it more difficult to make new friendships?
Arlee,I just want to say thank you. You inspired me to keep my blog going ... (this is my 11th year with A-Z and you started the inspiration all those years back). So thank you! I loved your post today because I can honestly relate with losing friends with something I've said or something I believe. My sister hasn't spoken to me in over 15 years because of something I said and the way I believe (I've tried over the years to reconcile but it ain't happening). Anyways...as I get older I guess I'm getting bolder. I don't care if they don't like the truth. I didn't make them idiots (right?). Bless you Arlee Bird... and thank you for keeping this going. I appreciate all you've done. It's true what they say about how Interpretation Impacts Others
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Barbie
Barbie what a great comment to wake up to this morning. Thank you! It's the bloggers like you that keep us all going.
DeleteLosing the relationship with family is one of the worst. Our binds should be lasting. I squabble and debate with my sibs all the time, but we still keep our ties. I hope you restore your relationship with your sister.
Lee
Sad people will do that. They don't like what you believe in or say so they just don't want to talk to you anymore. (And usually those are the ones screaming loudest for acceptance. Ironic, huh?)
ReplyDeleteMaking new friends is difficult. Most of my friends now come from my church.
I'm sad to admit that I avoided my bestie from college on my road trip last summer because I couldn't deal with hearing her husband's political rantings.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Alex's comment, I'm sad (and probably shallow). I'd like to think I'm preserving my equilibrium.
I too love the interstate highways! Specifically I-5. Mexican border to Canadian border, right up the middle of CA, OR, and WA. It's how I got to be living where I am. I wanted to move, and figured if a I-5 ran through a town I couldn't get lost if I went there to look around! Great rest stops too!
ReplyDelete"Idiot" is one of my dog's vocabulary words! I use it when there's a Idiotically loud motorcycle or car racing down the street. My dog looks at me, "What's that?" and I say "Idiot!" I have only unfollowed a few people, but rightfully so, if you ask me! One emailed me racist views. The other made me uncomfortable with certain posts. I believe it was purely innocent, but the content and photos made me feel funny, they could be taken very, very wrong.
I have a couple of friends from high school, now Facebook friends. I'm at the point in my life where I don't need new friends. I'm fairly introverted and social media interactions are fine. LOL!
ReplyDeleteDonna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
theconfemplativecat here. growing up in the Midwest and now living in California for decades has cut off friendships from that time. We have moved 7 times which also kills friendships. My best friend? My husband.
ReplyDeleteToo many of us stake all our self esteem on being right- and can't handle the thought of being wrong.
ReplyDeleteThis is Birgit…I believe many who , rightfully, despise your President, dislike views that approve of this person. I know a couple of my friends and my brother will no longer speak to friends or relatives who believe so strongly in this person. There is no way one can convince someone who loves this guy to see the light and, the people who love this guy will never change their friends to believe in their own political beliefs. Politics and religion were many reasons for war. The best…believe in what you believe but don’t let it destroy a friendship. As long as one understands that not every single thing a person you believe in is right about every single thing. I am Canadian and will never be the 51st State. That thinking is wrong as is trying to grab Greenland. In the end, hint of Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda.they almost went into fisticuffs over a political argument and right there, they decided their friendship was more important and never talked politics again. I love my cousin, in Michigan, he saved my Oma and Opa when he was born and my mom who loved him. He is a good man and one who is very sensitive but believes in Trump. I will never diss him..ever. My brother, doesn’t talk to him. More tolerance is needed.
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