Burn That Bridge

I realized today that I am very fortunate. My real-life social circle is tight. We have different opinions but we share the same core values and beliefs. And that means I don’t have to endure awkward conversations with bigots, racists, sexists, and homophobes. I just don’t. They aren't allowed into my home or to prattle on at work or show up at family gatherings. Those people are no longer part of my life.

But today, I’m thinking about my many Facebook friends that *do* put up with that shit. They hear their family members and close friends say all kinds of horrible things about people that they see as different or somehow inferior. And they try again and again to build bridges only to be shot down as “libtards” or “snowflakes.”

I’m sorry you all deal with that. You must have your reasons, but please know that you don’t have to go through life burdened by that crap. You don’t have to be an emotional punching bag for people who lack decency and compassion for other people if those other people happen to be a shade too dark, or love someone of their own gender, or care about the less fortunate.

You can choose the people you let into your life. You can choose the people you allow to stay. And you most certainly can choose to cast off anyone who isn’t on board with the values you hold dear.