Opinions Of Friends

[nailit]

If you've got friends who's opinions or beliefs differ from your own, would you get into a debate with them or just enjoy your friendship without letting your differences get in the way?
Ive got a friend who is a retired pastor. Weve been friends for 12 years and he's never once preached to (or at) me. We are both aware of each others views, he's obviously a bible believer and I most definetely am not but our differences have never been a problem, probably because we dont get into discussions about it. (except maybe in passing)
Another friend of mine has strong political views that I dont hold with but his friendship means more to me than differing on political views.

Just wondering how others on here deal with friends who have different viewpoints, thanks

[rockyracoon]

Same as you, we might have a bit of friendly ribbing now and then but never let our differences get in the way.

[ummmm]

Maybe debate it once and then agree to disagree.

My closest friends are very religious, I'm not. The only problem is their wasted prayers for me.

My mother is a born again Christian. I never debate with her, I just listen and smile...

[gness]

Evening, Nailit.....I have many friends and indeed family members whose opinions and beliefs differ to mine...greatly in some cases.

It's partly what makes a circle of friends interesting......

The only people who would not have my friendship...and I wouldn't want theirs ..... are homophobes and racists....♣

[gness]

Oh........and maybe anyone who is going to vote LibDem in the next election..;-)

[Elina]

As long as they're not spouting off to you nailit I'd not let it get in the way of friendship.

[ummmm]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1501804_10151746006046863_671733830_n.png?oh=ca3375c140bce3402230ecbcaec6f7fa&oe=5505FA68&;__gda__=1427497010_2222cb6d8be34cf8f398879ddd720f28

[Daffy6543]

One of my sisters is a big supporter of Britain First, I have refused to speak to her at all after I asked her to stop spouting about them all the time and ranting in a racist manner.

[Psybbo]

Evening Nailit, I agree with Gness and find it difficult dealing with elderly people who are racist, homophobic and set in their ways

[gness]

The greatest disappointment I ever had with a friend was when he was arrested and jailed for paedophillia......I just had no idea....

And even more so when some of our friends stood by him and tried to justify his actions.....we speak no more...

[gness]

Hi, Psyb....and don't they seem to be the ones who voice their opinions louder... makes you wonder why really.....☺

[DTCwordfan]

Had one of those in Johnsons Dry Cleaners today, my parting shot being 'if anymore of the staff were so inward thinking and belligerent as her, I would cut my business with Johnsons tomorrow.'

Agree on the bigoted, extremist and 'I can't manage change' views already expressed - and I don't think that I would accept someone like Ched Evans either....in fact, I have turned down business with someone who was done for GBH recently and got off very lightly with 250 hours community and a £1500 fine.

[Psybbo]

And there's no point trying to reason with them Gness

[nailit]

Thanks for replies, loved ummms link.
Some years ago I had another religious type of friend. Got a bit fed up of him shoving his bible views in my face and ended up telling him a few things that he didnt like. (nothing nasty, just common sense things) we didnt remain friends for long after that. I could have kept my mouth shut but then again so could have he. I can tolerate any ones differing view point as long as they dont shove it down my throat at every oppurtunity.

[kylesmum]

I do pull people up if they're racist or bigoted and I wouldn't care if I lost their friendship as we absolutely would have nothing in common.

That apart, I do respect friends who clearly have a differing opinion to me as I value them and their friendship , i've said 'we'll have to agree to disagree' with a laugh so often , then changed the subject.

It's healthy to have a close friend who is your friend because of you rather than being a clone of them !

[mikey4444]

I have broken off relations with 2 unconnected friends this last couple of years, for the same reason....their continuing and constant racism. I put up with this for a long time but I was having increasing difficulty in ignoring the offensive language and racist comments. So I had to pull the plug. I have no regrets, as both of these people were aware that I found their behaviour to be unacceptable. I am of the opinion these days that life is too short to liaise with people like that.

[woofgang]

I wouldn't start a sensitive subject discussion with a friend and if they did I would try and deflect. If the wouldn't be deflected, I am afraid we wouldn't stay friends.

[boxtops]

A friend is a friend. If their views offend me, I would tell them - it really does depend what it is. However, generally speaking, we'd just agreed to differ on their (and/or my) beliefs, and not mention it.

[nailit]

//If their views offend me, I would tell them - it really does depend what it is//
I think that the crux of it. My retired pastor friend believes some things which I find quiet absurd....but not offensive. My 'politicaly' minded friend has v

[mikey4444]

Woofy...this is what I tried to do with my two ex-friends. They both could see that it made me uncomfortable but still came out with the bigotry anyway.

When you are enjoying a really good India meal, in a busy restaurant, and someone starts to talk very loudly about the "F*****g C***s and *ig*ogs" its very difficult to pretend it isn't happening. ( not sure how much of that last sentence is going to come through this post unscathed ! )