Greetings, Abby I’ve known some of my pals for forty years.
Our political differences have widened over time. There was no issue with this until lately.
They now yell at me about my political choices whenever we get together. I initially attempted to justify my stance, but I was yelled at. I then clarified that I didn’t want to discuss politics and that I appreciate both their right to hold a different perspective and mine. That only works for a while.
It’s the same when we meet again. They seem to believe they can persuade me if they all speak at once. They can’t, and I don’t want to persuade them.
Since they are now meeting without me, it is clear that they are not in my company and that I am no longer at ease in theirs. I can make new friends, but I miss the ones I’ve known for 40 years. Other than acting like I agree with them, which I won’t do, is there nothing else I can do? — NEW YORK ISSUES APART
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
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Dear Abby: Am I really supposed to thank woman who hit my son on his bike for donation of a new one?
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Dear Abby: Our long-time friend wants nothing to do with us, even as her husband is dying
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Dear Abby: Did my habit of hiking with a much younger woman cause my girlfriend to reject our relationship?
DEAR ISSUES SEPARATE: In the same way that your former pals can’t persuade you any farther, the opposite is also true. Now you’re at a standstill. Regardless of politics, these friends are yelling at you and disobeying your requests. It could be time for you to take a backseat and make friends who are more understanding than these people seem to be.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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