|
Friends with different beliefs.
A lot of my friends are very religious, and thus have many different beliefs (religiously, politically, and otherwise) than I do. Lets just say I cried on November 3rd last year (the day after), and they pretty much jumped for joy. Sometimes when I make a comment about issues that are happening in the world they look at me oddly, like I'm a complete idiot or something. They enjoy listening to Ashlee Simpson and the like while I listen to classic rock from the 60's and 70's. In the past this hasn't bothered me much, but lately its been nagging at me a lot. Don't get me wrong. I love my friends to bits, they're the nicest people and so fun to be around, but is it possible to love them as people and completely disregard how different their mentality is from you? Do your beliefs and interests dictate who you are as a person?
(Sorry if this question doesn't make much sense.)
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
yes! diversity in a group makes it that much stronger ( my opinion) My best friends have different religous views as well as different views on political issues. if everyone in the group thought alike and beleived alike, things would be boring! i even have a friend who is a good friend..but the friend makes stuppid choices such as smoking, drinking, etc etc home problems..etc. ..but the person is still a true friend..
]
You can't really call someone a friend if you cannot accept their differences.
]
Yes, of course so. All of my friends are completely different from one another. We all come from different stereotypical groups and have very different interests. I personally think it is better that way. I loathe groups where everyone looks, acts, talks, et cetera -exactly- the same. It it much more fun to be individuals.
]
Having friends that are different from you can be a good thing. It will really mix up the relationships that you have with eachother a bit. I think someone who had a lot in common with you could be fun, but at the same time it could get pretty boring.
I think you beliefs and such makes up a small part of you as a person. The beliefs of others, and your friends will make up another small part of you.
]
It's ok to have friends who are different from you. I myself have a friend who is very different from me. But we still are best friends. You shouldn't let your differences get in the way of your friendship. If they can't accept you for who you are, then maybe they aren't the best friends to have. I hope I helped. And remeber, being different is good.
-Abra
]
To answer your first question about to love them as people regardless of their view on life or you, it is possible for that to love someone in such circumstance; it is called “unconditional love”. It is love that regardless of what happens to someone you will always care for them. You see in really good friends and good parents. It is like when a child does something stupid to either in ruining his/her’s life or in less scale, but the parent still loves them. They may not approve of the action of them but they still care for them.
I knew of an old lady got in an accident because of the careless actions of a young man who she had never before meet. She had to go through so much therapy to recover, when the young man was on trail he asked the old lady to forgive him, and she just like that.
That is a fine example of “unconditional love”.
To answer your second question is a little more difficult. Are beliefs and interests do not dictate who we are, HOWEVER (this is why it is difficult), what we believe and are in to (our interests) are just a PART of “who we are” personally.
I will give an example.
In the story of Les Miserables, the main character, Jean Valjean, steals a loft of bread. He believed that it was ok to steal to survive, so his actions reflected his belief, however who he really was he himself didn’t know till much later in the story. Jean Valjean, at the end was consider a man who devoted his life to others, but the first sign that was who he really was came at the very beginning of the story, the reason why he stole the loft of bread was to feed his sister’s child! Not himself.
To know who we are, we must dig deep within ourselves. Their lives the root of why we do some of the things we do.
Well I hope this helps/ let me know if it did.
Best of luck to you
~Teen Guru~
]
I have always felt that those that are able to celebrate their own individuality are so brave. You dont feel the need to follow the heard like a sheep and that is a good thing because it will be much harder to lead you astray.
As far as being able to maintain friendships with those that view things differently then you, of course you can. We must all respect the beliefs of others. Be a good example for what you believe in. Sometimes that alone helps others to see things your way.
Each day you are around others who view things differently and if at the end of that day you still hold on to what you believe. Despite all opposing thoughts. This only makes you stronger.
We should all love others despite our difference, it can be done. Your beliefs and interests dont have to dictate who you are as a person, as long as you understand that these same beliefs and interests help to shape you into the person you are. We arent a only a result of what we have grown to believe, we are also a result of what we do with that belief.
Eva J
]
You've said yourself that you have fun when you're around them and that you love them so you've answered your own question- of course it's possible to love them! Does it matter if your beliefs differ from theirs? How boring would life be if everyone was interested in the same things and everyone had the same beliefs and values? Sometimes it's good to be around those with different opinions- it helps to get balance and simply an alternative way of looking at life! In any case you obviously love their company and they love yours as they wouldn't be friends with you if they didn't so don't worry about it!
]
Its still very very possible to remain friends with these people. Sure, some of it sucks because you can't really discuss politics or religion without someone chiming in something about "you must belive what I do" but if for the most part, you're still having fun with those people, stay friends!
You don't have to disregard how different their mentality is from yours. Its actually a good thing at times, because you get to see many different points of view and maybe you find one that makes perfect sense to you.
Personally, I'll hang out with people of all diffrent religions, political groups, and otherwise. So long as people aren't trying to change ME and try to change what I belive, its all good with me.
]
More Questions:<<< Previous Question
| Next Question >>>
|
|