Though I deal with delicate issues every week as a therapist, I've increasingly noticed how I'm also walking on eggshells with certain friends and acquaintances about hot-button issues. I’ve lived most of my life with friends and family members who disagree about religion or gender, about war and peace, or who come from differing sides of political issues. In the past, we could be comfortably safe with one another despite such disagreements. But things have changed.
Thanks Rick. I think there are ways to talk with people on the other side, but it can't be for the purpose of changing them - just like doing therapy. People change themselves, not us, as they think things through.
Thank you for these reflections, Rick. I only recently found them. So much in today's reflection resonates with me. I noted some of the same changes over the years and wondered if there was something wrong with me. I figured out it was some societal change that I don't understand. Somehow, moving to a new city has helped me to shed some of my reticence and reach out to people. Of course, it really helps to have a church community, which I was lucky to find quickly. I look forward to your future reflections.
Thanks Rick. I think there are ways to talk with people on the other side, but it can't be for the purpose of changing them - just like doing therapy. People change themselves, not us, as they think things through.
Ron
Thank you for these reflections, Rick. I only recently found them. So much in today's reflection resonates with me. I noted some of the same changes over the years and wondered if there was something wrong with me. I figured out it was some societal change that I don't understand. Somehow, moving to a new city has helped me to shed some of my reticence and reach out to people. Of course, it really helps to have a church community, which I was lucky to find quickly. I look forward to your future reflections.