Curious--do u have friendships w/non-political people or

[bliss_eternal]

those that don't share your interest in what's going on in the world?

I feel my interest in fostering such friendships is waning. I hate to sound (or be) shallow, but it does trouble me. I'm sick of talking to people that only want to talk about what occured on the latest reality show, or the Brad Jen break-up. While there are discussions like that here, I know that if I want to talk about political issues I can do that and be supported.

When I try to talk about such issues with some friends, I experience the dreaded 'dead air' thing, or it's just obvious they don't care, don't believe me, etc, etc. It's disheartening.

Anyway, what about you guys? Do you still have many relationships with those that you really can't or don't talk about this stuff with?

Thanks,
Bliss :)

[amazona]

1. I don't have "lots" of friendships

Those I do have, we have some area of common interest to discuss. However, it isn't necessarily politics.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[OhioBlue]

2. yes, most of my friends don't want to talk about

politics anymore. The ones that do are often confrontational and lean right. Given a choice, I hang out with the ones that want to discuss Brad and Jen or the Football playoffs over those that want to sing the praises of the Shrub.

[jonnyblitz]

3. yup, with my good friend who also does my tattoos.

A funny though is that his favorite bands which he listens to 24/7 are punk bands whose songs are filled with left wing politics. I don't mind not discussing politics with him because we have other things to talk about and he is my oasis from it all.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

4. Those friendships are fading

I hate to say it, but I have two friends who say they hate Bush (pretty much because I told them to), but don't really put anything into it, or know anything about what he's doing... this past weekend they did something that just set me over the edge. When I informed them I was sick and couldn't carry through with our original plans for that night, they freaked out. If I go to some political thing, they ask me why, wouldn't I rather be doing something else?

I can't have friends like that anymore, they don't have to be overtly political, but could at least understand where I'm coming from...

[bliss_eternal]

8. I totally understand

I'm by no means saying I want to talk this stuff all the time. I just feel that anyone that knows me well, knows this is important to me. I take an interest in what is important to my friends. It's discouraging that they don't take an interest in what is of interest to me.

They don't have to be balls out about it by any means. But at least be understanding when I am excited about something, upset, etc.

A few don't. It's making me question whether I want to continue w/ the friendships altogether. No one can talk this stuff all the time. And it is nice to NOT talk about it or even think about it. But it bothers me that the ONLY time they want to talk about it, is when it affects them (some new budget cut, issue directly affects their lives somehow) or it's time to vote.

[Cuban_Liberal]

5. Yes, we do.

Our friends are about 50/50, political vs. non-political.

:)

[Reverend_Smitty]

6. Sure I have lots of non-political friends...

I still hang out with a core group of 5 or 6 people I went to high school with and we can talk about anything (politics included), unfortunately most of them are away at school so I only see them during breaks. other friends I don't really talk politics with...part of the reason why I hang out on DU so much

[sbj405]

7. I've been having the same thought recently.

Starting to phase out those people (actually most people, think I'm going through an anti-social phase). My friend who I actually thought was fairly informed(was during the election, came to my Kerry party, etc.) told me that she had no idea what was going on in Iraq, b/c it was too depressing and she just didn't want to hear about it anymore. Also, tried talking to another friend who lives in San Diego about the whole Donna Frye mayor thing. She didn't have a clue what was going on. Scary.

I don't watch a lot of TV, so news/politics are pretty much my talking points. So it's tough for me to try and talk to people that have no interest in such things.

[bliss_eternal]

12. Thank you,

it's nice to know that I'm not the only one. Phasing people out I mean. It's tough.

[intheflow]

9. None of my long-term friends are political.

I'm talking 20- and 30-year friendships. OK, one guy is political, but he's a Republican, so we obviously don't discuss politics. Even among my newer friends, not many are political. Peaceniks, yes, but political? No. But then, compared to me, very few people are as political as I think they should be. Guess that's why I spend more time here on DU instead of spending my leisure time with them. :shrug:

[Bok_Tukalo]

10. Friends?

If I had those, I wouldn't be here.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. Yes

it is interesting in that the internet is the place where I talk politics the most. When I'm face to face with people, I'm talking mysticism/spirituality/healing. Some of these folks are peace activists (sort of goes with the territory), but others-well, I'm not sure. But I get along with them great.

[GRLMGC]

13. Yes

They're not bad people because they aren't into politics. They just aren't informed. Maybe the don't have the time to be.