Dealing with a friend with VASTLY different opinions

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
I have a neighbor who is also a friend on Facebook. The thing is, we have a vastly different world and political view. I do not want to make this thread about politics, so please refrain. I am just going to speak in generalities here, to make my point.
I have just unfollowed him on FB as I felt I needed a break for a while from the rants. Thing is, I just called him on a video he posted as "fact" that proved to be a 30 year old video, and not at all the person he attributed it to. He took a bit of offense that I mentioned that he was in fact sharring incorrect information.
I have unfollowed him, and will probably unfriend him soon. Thing is, I cannot completely ignore the guy..he lives across the street!! Do any of you have people in your lives who you disagree with on things, but due to circumstances, cannot ignore interacting with them? How do you do it. I have tried talking with him face to face, and tactfully telling him I do not always agree with him. Yet it continues when we are talking. Hard to unfollow a neighbor in real life.
 

I have some family members who clash with my political views. My niece said "We are two very different people". That hurt because I look at it this way...."We are two people with very different views." There's a big difference in perspective.

We all just have to love each other and when we disagree what I do is just pray for all involved including myself. And we don't have to engage in the fray.
 

The older I get the bigger the gulf between my world view and many others especially younger people.
I avoid Facebook these days to be honest. The other day a cousin of mine posted a joke image of a polarising political figure in Australia. I dont mind the guy but many do hate him so she felt comfortable in expressing it. The image was of a dog weeing in his mouth . Now come on. Look how far we can descend. That wasnt funny imo. Just adds to the hate.
 
Sorry that you live across the street from this man Marie. That's a hard situation to deal with, if he won't let up. Just have to try and stay non-interested.
Reminds me of why I had to leave Facebook. ... I couldn't take anymore of my brother-in-law and a cousin going at politics non-stop with their dueling views. They never let up! But I can avoid both of them as I don't live anywhere near either one of them. Thank goodness.
They ruined my short lived life on Facebook.:(
 
Yes, treeguy, that's what I was going to say. The fact that you live across the street doesn't mean you have to get into those matters that you disagree about, at least for most matters. Just nod pleasantly, make some polite comment about the weather, etc., and move on.
 
I would avoid discussing politics with neighbors especially as they live near you. It used to be that you could discuss differing opinions without rancor but those times are gone, therefore I do my political talking at the polls.
 
Marie5656 said:
Well, since I posted this, he did acknowledge the video was misrepresented and posted a retraction to his own FB page.
Click to expand...

Is there some reason you always post in bold lettering? I understand that eyesight may be a problem, for some, so I apologize if that's involved, here. Otherwise, I'm genuinely curious about your bold lettering choice. Thanks!
 
Some I have no idea what they expect me to say. Like the guy who inspected my car once. He kind of scared me he got so wound up. Never went back to him again.
 
My philosophy is don't get too friendly with the neighbors. My mom did and she often came back home being pissed. Be nice, be neighborly, of course. But just remember, it's not that easy to move as it is to drop a friend who doesn't live near you.
 
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I agree with what's been said so far. Ignore, unfollow and just be polite with a hi and a wave. I wouldn't un-friend him on facebook because eventually he will see that you did and that may cause friction at some point. Just unfollow him and you won't have to see his posts any longer. I have a few facebook friends that I have unfollowed, it makes for a better experience.
 
Some people Marie like their own voice blah blah '''it seems to me tht if he has no one to stand and listen to it he goes on fb to rant
which suits him .. I would come away from his friends att and come off his site --if he asks why tell HIM up front --you dont listen to anyone only your own views !!!!!!!!!
 
Marie, I have an older sister I feel the same way about. We have tried discussing politics and world views, but we just can't meet in the middle anywhere. She is absolutely rabid about these issues. Finally, we (my other siblings and her) have agreed to just not talk about these issues when we are together. There are a wealth of other subjects to talk about besides politics and world views. It works for us. Maybe you could just come right out and ask him for an agreement like that.

I almost unfollowed my sister on FB because of her political posts, but she does post some other really good stuff that I totally agree with. I have just learned to scroll past any political ones she posts.
 
I have ignored or unfollowed but never unfriended anyone on FB. I think it's a rude and hurtful statement that puts a permanent exclamation point on a relationship that may have eventually moved to a gentler place.

Unfriending a neighbor is especially short-sighted. The day may come when you need his help.

I agree with Olivia. While friendly, helpful and lightheartedly chatty with our neighbors, I have no intention or inclination for us to live in each other's pockets. Been there once many years ago, not interested in repeating the experience.
 

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