They called me to catch up and we chatted for a bit, then they turned the subject to politics. They made several biased statements that I did not agree with, so to be polite, I gave vague answers or tried to cite common ground where I could (hard to do), hoping the topic would pass. It didn’t, and they eventually flat out asked me if I voted for Trump. I said yes.

Fast forward an hour later, and the questions they ask me have only grown more hostile and accusatory. I’m told repeatedly why I can’t or shouldn’t have this or that opinion, or why their opinion is more qualified – but they never argue the actual facts. Pointing this out only makes them mad, even though I’m really not trying to, but I have to somehow explain why I can’t or won’t answer a question as it is asked.

If they weren’t family, I’d have hung up long time ago. But I hung in there, tried to be polite, and was forceful with my arguments only when they were dismissed out of hand, denigrated, or used as a pivot to something wildly unrelated. (I was supposed to “know” when they were being sarcastic or rhetorical, and told many times that they loved me.)

The tone got more acrimonious, but I’m committed to finishing the conversation and ending it cordially. I can’t just agree with them or say what they want to hear just to make them happy, but they’re family so I’m willing to listen and respond. But suddenly... they just hang up.

I won’t say I was perfect, or that I did nothing wrong, but I honestly tried to explain my views while being respectful, and not react too negatively or rudely when they said some ridiculous things. For example, they could not understand how I could interpret “How could you vote for a racist?” as an offensive question, and take insult from it...

I don’t want to believe this, but it is just impossible to talk politics with liberals. They are so brainwashed and self-loathing that they will call me me and bring up politics on their own, push the topic, get outraged at my responses, and then hang up on me for daring to answer their rude questions. It hurts since they’re family, but I feel good for standing up for myself and not being the one to cut it short. I don’t think it’s enough to tear us apart, but I think things will definitely be different now. I wish our relationship with each other didn’t depend on our political beliefs, but... here we are.

Be glad we have each other, frens. I appreciate your energy and friendship so much (and our amazing mods as well). #MAGA #KAG