I'm American and libertarian, but also liberal and pacifist. I despise debate. I too have an ex (conservative republican) who gets off on political argument, and when we were together I also learned to shut the fuck up rather than endure endless confrontation with He Who Must Be Right. "Soul-killing" is exactly how it felt. When I walked away from that marriage, my sense of peacefulness and compassion breathed a huge sigh of relief. He still tries to bait me into arguing politics with him, and I indulge him on occasion, but at least now I can hang up the phone when he gets belligerent.
Now that I'm living with a conservative socialist ex-military Brit, well, we have our differences. But we respect each other's opinions and tend not to discuss politics often. There are so many other interesting things to talk about! When we do discuss these things, he genuinely tries to understand my point of view, which is a refreshing change from outright dismissal.
Interestingly, I have some good political discussions with my beloved friend kierly, who is very conservative and libertarian. Despite our huge differences, we've learned to talk about politics in a way that honors both of our views, and to find the common ground. That's the way I wish it worked with everyone.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 12:19 pm (UTC)Now that I'm living with a conservative socialist ex-military Brit, well, we have our differences. But we respect each other's opinions and tend not to discuss politics often. There are so many other interesting things to talk about! When we do discuss these things, he genuinely tries to understand my point of view, which is a refreshing change from outright dismissal.
Interestingly, I have some good political discussions with my beloved friend