As election day draws near, something strange starts to happen. People who were once best buddies suddenly stop talking. Others who never got along are now seen laughing together over coffee. Why does this happen? Simple: politics.
In a perfect world, people should be able to vote for whoever they want without it affecting their relationships. But in reality, elections bring out strong emotions. Everyone has their own beliefs, opinions, and candidates they support. And when someone else disagrees, it can feel like a personal attack—even when it’s not meant to be.
Some people are so passionate about their chosen candidate or political party that they start treating it like a team sport. If you're not on their team, you’re automatically the enemy. That’s when things get messy. Debates turn into arguments. Friendly teasing becomes personal insults. Before you know it, long-time friends are blocking each other on social media or avoiding each other in real life.
On the flip side, some people suddenly become close just because they support the same candidate. It's like politics creates temporary alliances. But are these real friendships? Often, no. They’re built on convenience, not connection. Once the election is over, many of these "friendships" disappear as quickly as they appeared.
The truth is, politics can be like a mirror. It shows us what people truly value—and how far they’re willing to go to defend it. But it can also bring out the worst in us: pride, anger, and the need to be right all the time.
So what can we do about it? First, we should remember that it’s okay to disagree. Supporting a different candidate doesn't make someone a bad person. Second, we need to stop treating elections like wars. A healthy democracy needs different opinions. That’s how we grow and improve as a nation.
At the end of the day, elections come and go, but relationships last much longer. Don’t let temporary political drama ruin something meaningful. Speak your mind, but stay kind. Defend your beliefs, but respect others’. And when the dust settles, be the bigger person. After all, friends are worth more than any vote.
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