Why I can't stand to be relatable

[glowingfish]

The past few years have been the height of "relatability", quite strange given how much animosity there is my country.

And yet, there are still a lot of people who rely on sayings like "Practice Kindness", "Everyone is Fighting Their Private Battle", "Focus on the Positive" and then just health advice...

"Stay Hydrated" well, yes, I guess that is better than dying of desication.

But as things get weirder and crueler in the United States, I don't believe that someone who believes in aggressive warfare against other countries or depriving people of civil rights in our own country are people that "Deep down, really share a lot with their neighbors", even if I know they might be doing the same things as me. Maybe even the same challenging things as me.

I would really love to relate to people because they have a cute dog, and because they struggle with aging parents. But if those people decide on cruelty, then there is a gap between us that breaks "relatability".

Comments

[loganberrybunny]

I am with you on this. Conservatives here in the UK are mostly of the more traditional type, and I can and do talk to them, even do social things with them if that happens to come up. But a full-on Trumpet? No. I do draw the line there. I don't want to relate to those people. Back in 2021 I broke a long-standing friendship specifically over Jan 6th. I was sad, because the person had been a good friend I could talk to even if we disagreed over politics. But I don't regret doing it.

[glowingfish]

And instead of feeling regretful, I just feel relieved. I don't have to lie or pretend anymore.