Can You Be Friends with Leftists?

[stugatz]

Yes, you can, with great effort, but only as casual friends - and I'd recommend you lie to them about politics just to keep yourself protected. (If it's someone you actually trust that's a leftist, then have limited political discussions - you can never trust them completely.)

Before my recent move, I had a ton of leftist friends I'd made before and after 2016. (I've also mentioned I worked in a trendy hotel - well, as it was connected with a local musical theater, the crowd that worked there was more often than not extremely leftwing.) I was an opinionated conservative right up until Trump won - then I got very quiet and stopped discussing politics almost entirely, both on social media and in real life.

I lived in the city, so I figured that shutting up about politics was necessary for my own safety. This, however, motivated me to find Traditionalist Catholicism - just about all of the friends I made were people I liked enough, but I knew that if I ever came out as a Trump supporter, they'd cut me off and likely try very hard to go after any jobs I had. (Yes, everyone read that right - I went back to the church for social reasons. This soon changed, but almost nobody I have shared this with has judged me on it.)

January 6's events, and the freakout afterward (including some relatives of mine calling my father and threatening him - so I saw some of it come very close to me) if anything vindicated me. I was almost happy to see that I was right to live a double life for my own safety - since I've always been a very social person, I hated to do it.

It's not a good feeling, knowing 85% of the people you know would try to ruin you if they really knew you. One I'm still in regular contact with - we swap recipes and I sent her some sorghum syrup the other day. She misses me. I don't really miss her all that much, but I can't deny that I enjoyed her company despite everything.

It really hurts me that I have to treat friends like this - can't put it strongly enough. I tell myself that these people capable of genuine love, but are demon possessed and have to be treated accordingly.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

I have lots of friends on the left and i just don't talk politics

That’s been my mo for years. I’ve found recently that they seem to subvert the conversation with leftist ideas more often. I am sick of biting my tongue.

 

[stugatz]

That’s been my mo for years. I’ve found recently that they seem to subvert the conversation with leftist ideas more often. I am sick of biting my tongue.

Oh, same - "I can't believe that someone would actually vote for Trump!" is a sentence I have to try very hard to not laugh at in public.

I was fed up enough in 2016 to do it - after four years of this? Best vote I ever cast - all of the US's problems were brought out on the table instantly, and weren't left as is until 2050.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

Yes, you can, with great effort, but only as casual friends - and I'd recommend you lie to them about politics just to keep yourself protected. (If it's someone you actually trust that's a leftist, then have limited political discussions - you can never trust them completely.)

Before my recent move, I had a ton of leftist friends I'd made before and after 2016. (I've also mentioned I worked in a trendy hotel - well, as it was connected with a local musical theater, the crowd that worked there was more often than not extremely leftwing.) I was an opinionated conservative right up until Trump won - then I got very quiet and stopped discussing politics almost entirely, both on social media and in real life.

I lived in the city, so I figured that shutting up about politics was necessary for my own safety. This, however, motivated me to find Traditionalist Catholicism - just about all of the friends I made were people I liked enough, but I knew that if I ever came out as a Trump supporter, they'd cut me off and likely try very hard to go after any jobs I had. (Yes, everyone read that right - I went back to the church for social reasons. This soon changed, but almost nobody I have shared this with has judged me on it.)

January 6's events, and the freakout afterward (including some relatives of mine calling my father and threatening him - so I saw some of it come very close to me) if anything vindicated me. I was almost happy to see that I was right to live a double life for my own safety - since I've always been a very social person, I hated to do it.

It's not a good feeling, knowing 85% of the people you know would try to ruin you if they really knew you. One I'm still in regular contact with - we swap recipes and I sent her some sorghum syrup the other day. She misses me. I don't really miss her all that much, but I can't deny that I enjoyed her company despite everything.

It really hurts me that I have to treat friends like this - can't put it strongly enough. I tell myself that these people capable of genuine love, but are demon possessed and have to be treated accordingly.

I feel like we are very similar. I have done the same thing since I was living in the city when Obummer was elected. Having it shoved down my throat on a daily basis, I realized there was no benefit in martyring myself. City living was difficult enough and I knew that I was not eloquent or sly enough to make any real difference. As you said, liking these friends well enough but sensing that they would turn on you in an instant.

Unsurprisingly, and same as you, that time in my life spurred my return to my Catholic faith. The roots of my spiritual life were really laid down in that time. Such a blessing. I was also politically active on the side as much as possible. This was before Trump and I was a diehard Ron Paul libertarian. There was a really fun phone banking crew set up in a warehouse in Chinatown. I look back on the times where I was able to express my true self with great fondness now.

I’m in going to work on minimizing my inauthentic relations and maximizing my time and relationships where I can be authentic. Feels like the right thing to do.

 

[stugatz]

Meet more like-minded people in real life, definitely. I'd also recommend, for your own sanity, to minimize consumption of news discussion shows. (Stay current on the news, but I mean stay off of the endless YouTube and television channels dedicating hours to discussion of whatever the week's issues are.)

I gave it up for Lent - it's just been two days since Ash Wednesday, and I already see a difference. I think this stuff rots the brain while telling you you're getting informed - it's just outrage pornography, which is a good business model these days.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

Great advice.

I got really burnt out during the election fraud debacle. Consuming news daily. I seriously read every post in the election 2020 thread. Trying to find more homemaking channels. I like listening to audiobooks during the day. Especially stuff about faith, Godly womanhood, motherhood.

 

[dragonfire00]

Great advice.

I got really burnt out during the election fraud debacle. Consuming news daily. I seriously read every post in the election 2020 thread. Trying to find more homemaking channels. I like listening to audiobooks during the day. Especially stuff about faith, Godly womanhood, motherhood.

I also followed the election 2020 (before I was a member here) while it was happening in real time....bad choice. How depressing Oh well.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

I also followed the election 2020 (before I was a member here) while it was happening in real time....bad choice. How depressing Oh well.

I still feel like I haven’t even fully processed everything that happened. Still in disbelief. It’s been a whirlwind. Seeing everyone’s reactions to everything has been a lot to process too.

Despite this major disappointment, one thing I keep thinking about is how happy my life is compared to many around me (mainly and especially leftists). Like, I know why they’re miserable, it’s more than just Covid, but why can’t they help themselves? It feels like the differences between believers and non believers are becoming more stark. Why can’t they see it? Why don’t they even seem happy that their candidate ‘won’?

 

[stugatz]

Leftists are just generally unhappy and miserable people - the brainwashed benign ones, sure, but especially the rabid true believers who want people like us homeless, imprisoned, or dead.

The left is still in a state of anger and disbelief that an unapproved vulgarian like Trump got past the goalie and was actually president for four years. (Even if he wasn't that effective of one, and was far less aggressive than expected, the left kept being told that he was a dictator and tended to parrot it unquestioningly.) They also realize that even if Biden "won", Trump increased his voting base in this election, and his supporters make up a third of the country, probably more. They're desperate to implement some kind of modern version of Roman Damnatio memoriae, but seem to be pretty sure it would be impossible to implement.

Trump's refusal to concede and the events of January 6th hammered this point home further. They know that they're not in control of the culture to the extent that they were under Obama. Why do you think they're so quick these days to shut down free speech and make the coronavirus restrictions into draconian lockdowns? Why do you think cancel culture is ten times worse than it was in 2017?

I'm beginning to wonder if there really is any way to satisfy the far left - I don't think they're capable of being happy even if they end up outright imprisoning and executing large swaths of the dissident right. Me, comparatively, I'm finding ways to recalibrate what I do while Biden is in office - and I'm far happier in the early days of 2021 than I ever was in 2017. Our side isn't in power right now, the pressure's off, time to play video games and rediscover a bunch of lost hobbies.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

Trump's refusal to concede and the events of January 6th hammered this point home further. They know that they're not in control of the culture to the extent that they were under Obama. Why do you think they're so quick these days to shut down free speech and make the coronavirus restrictions into draconian lockdowns? Why do you think cancel culture is ten times worse than it was in 2017?

Major truth bomb right here.

I completely agree. They’ve lost the narrative, which in part causing their current state of misery. Maybe they’re even waking up to some degree and the reality is too much to bear?

I'm beginning to wonder if there really is any way to satisfy the far left - I don't think they're capable of being happy even if they end up outright imprisoning and executing large swaths of the dissident right. Me, comparatively, I'm finding ways to recalibrate what I do while Biden is in office - and I'm far happier in the early days of 2021 than I ever was in 2017. Our side isn't in power right now, the pressure's off, time to play video games and rediscover a bunch of lost hobbies.

Isn’t that the old trope, that the left will just keep going no matter what. Fresh degeneracy after fresh degeneracy in a never ending cycle.

Sometimes I feel guilty being in a good place and happy despite everything that’s going on. But I catch myself. True happiness is only found in Christ, and He is here for everyone, not just me. Christ is King, what’s not to be happy about?

 

[third_eldest]

I’ve found recently that they seem to subvert the conversation with leftist ideas more often. I am sick of biting my tongue.

This is back on my point of them being "hosts" for the mind virus. Their minds are no longer their own, and the main goal of the virus is propagation, which is why you find their dialogue so subverted. The virus must make the host speak their mantras and become hostile to differing views to prevent the host's ideological immune system from rebooting. Self and community policing is the only way the virus maintains its hold and spreads. Even in people who are largely apathetic, they must still self police and police others, lest the orthodoxy start falling apart.

I’m in going to work on minimizing my inauthentic relations and maximizing my time and relationships where I can be authentic. Feels like the right thing to do.

I have very few friends who I would consider hosts. It's the most liberating thing ever. I would highly recommend spending more time around these people and deepening these relationships. They are the ones you can count on once all the cards are on the table.

Trump's refusal to concede and the events of January 6th hammered this point home further. They know that they're not in control of the culture to the extent that they were under Obama. Why do you think they're so quick these days to shut down free speech and make the coronavirus restrictions into draconian lockdowns? Why do you think cancel culture is ten times worse than it was in 2017?

If the propaganda worked, reeducation camps wouldn't be necessary. I have found that many just need a brave soul they know they can stand with. Isolation breeds submission.

I'm beginning to wonder if there really is any way to satisfy the far left - I don't think they're capable of being happy even if they end up outright imprisoning and executing large swaths of the dissident right. Me, comparatively, I'm finding ways to recalibrate what I do while Biden is in office - and I'm far happier in the early days of 2021 than I ever was in 2017. Our side isn't in power right now, the pressure's off, time to play video games and rediscover a bunch of lost hobbies.

Now is not the time to rest. Your enemies have the reigns, and they will be working double time as the end game draws near. We as those who are not yet compromised need to work triple time to prepare for what's coming. It's not about slowing down the train, its about ripping out the tracks. Begin finding ways to become autonomous outside of the system. When things get hard, they will weaponize food access, capital access, water access, power access, and more in order to get you to submit. Should you not be ready to provide for yourself, you will capitulate. Never bet on a starving you.

 

[Athanasius]

Thirty years ago I knew leftists and could talk politics with them. That's a rarity today. The younger people in my family who are lefties will complain and threaten to disassociate if there is any discussion that diverges from NPC narratives. Politics and religion were avoided at family gatherings, and they became increasingly sterile and stilted before Covid mostly eliminated the lefty presence. Some of these same people post obnoxious globalist stuff on Facebook. They are unable to deal with arguments, logically or emotionally, but they have their ready-made interpretation grid provided by globalists, the "you're a product of racism and whiteness" lens, and it lets them feel a sense of moral authority all the same.

And when we go back to their childhoods, we see children who didn't have a strong father, who weren't catechized in conservative churches, who were doted on too heavily and got what they wanted, who were not allowed to fail or experience consequences, who didn't have chores, farmwork, etc., and who were given over to public schools.

I have also become more circumspect about who I talk to.

 

[dragonfire00]

I still feel like I haven’t even fully processed everything that happened. Still in disbelief. It’s been a whirlwind. Seeing everyone’s reactions to everything has been a lot to process too.

Despite this major disappointment, one thing I keep thinking about is how happy my life is compared to many around me (mainly and especially leftists). Like, I know why they’re miserable, it’s more than just Covid, but why can’t they help themselves? It feels like the differences between believers and non believers are becoming more stark. Why can’t they see it? Why don’t they even seem happy that their candidate ‘won’?

Leftism (I've also seen it called the Church of Covid- pretty funny!) is a new religion, where there's penance (reparations? guilt? trying to make things "equitable" for the lowest common denominator?), rituals, and a god/s (scientists, experts, ourselves) in order to become "good" and 'perfect" and have a utopia. The issue here is that mankind is not basically good, people like Gates, Rothschilds etc believe if they run society it will be perfect. Of course, since humans are flawed this will end up being a dystopia. This is why they are not happy, because their beliefs are false and when following a false religion there will be a yearning for God, but to admit that there is God is to admit wrongdoing, so most people tend to continue their tunnel vision which in turn makes them more depressed. Hopefully that all made sense

 

[Atlas Shrugged]

My answer to the thread question is no to friends. Acquaintances yes but close as in a friend. Nope. I have low tolerance for stupid. Harsh but then again growing up in Chicago and the north in general we ain’t as nicey nice as the south. Which I’ve been shipped to for work several times. I always get told wow you are so blunt bold and honest. DUH. So I would not be able to keep my mouth closed on the LGBTQLMNOP liberal leftist satanic pedo agenda and upset someone. Now family is another matter. Blood is blood no matter how bad you want to trip them as they walk by.

 

[Elipe]

we ain’t as nicey nice as the south.

The South is nicey nice because it had the demographics to support the nicey niceness.

Key word, had.

 

[Atlas Shrugged]

I will say the south has surprised me in more ways than one. First I realized stereotypes exist for a reason. Second there are some awesome southern folk out there. I was so upset being sent to the south but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. But the way they act and talk takes some getting used to. Now I scream out ERRR DAY!!!!

 

[honey flame]

I would say no, you can't be friends with leftists. Just be friendly with them in public and just agree with them (or if possible, mention something that would subvert their views and get them thinking while simultaneously protecting yourself and your real views).

But whatever anyone chooses, do not let your leftist family or friends influence your children! I have a leftist careerist aunt who, when I was young, bought me my first laptop (against my mother's wishes) because she wanted us to be more independent and prepare for college (I was probably 11 lol). and owning my own laptop allowed me to learn about all types of evil such as pornography, bdsm, suicide, etc. So just be careful that your children do not pick up leftist ideologies from a leftist family member or friend when they visit your house.

I'm not someone who is against children using technology per se. What I'm against is children having unsupervised access to roam the web which I had.

 

[Vigilant]

This is back on my point of them being "hosts" for the mind virus. Their minds are no longer their own, and the main goal of the virus is propagation, which is why you find their dialogue so subverted. The virus must make the host speak their mantras and become hostile to differing views to prevent the host's ideological immune system from rebooting. Self and community policing is the only way the virus maintains its hold and spreads. Even in people who are largely apathetic, they must still self police and police others, lest the orthodoxy start falling apart.

I have very few friends who I would consider hosts. It's the most liberating thing ever. I would highly recommend spending more time around these people and deepening these relationships. They are the ones you can count on once all the cards are on the table.

If the propaganda worked, reeducation camps wouldn't be necessary. I have found that many just need a brave soul they know they can stand with. Isolation breeds submission.

Now is not the time to rest. Your enemies have the reigns, and they will be working double time as the end game draws near. We as those who are not yet compromised need to work triple time to prepare for what's coming. It's not about slowing down the train, its about ripping out the tracks. Begin finding ways to become autonomous outside of the system. When things get hard, they will weaponize food access, capital access, water access, power access, and more in order to get you to submit. Should you not be ready to provide for yourself, you will capitulate. Never bet on a starving you.

"Now is not the time to rest. Your enemies have the reigns, and they will be working double time as the end game draws near. We as those who are not yet compromised need to work triple time to prepare for what's coming. It's not about slowing down the train, its about ripping out the tracks. Begin finding ways to become autonomous outside of the system. When things get hard, they will weaponize food access, capital access, water access, power access, and more in order to get you to submit. Should you not be ready to provide for yourself, you will capitulate. Never bet on a starving you."

Very wise counsel. Perhaps there could be a thread of links to help prepare?

 

[Vigilant]

The most satisfying form of socialising is fellowship. Even though the Church is the perfect model for a healthy social fabric, providing encouragement, support, etc, in this time of history it has been infiltrated thoroughly and I am learning to be vigilant even within fellowship.

 

[Virginiahousewife]

Well, I’ve figured my husband out. After wondering why he continues to let me hang out with these friends (one specifically) when I bring it up often ‘should I stop seeing her?’ thinking I should cut ties. He has never cared too much about me having this person/ influence in my life. It dawned on me that after every time I talk to them I go on about how crazy they are, how I love that I have him, I love our life. Thank goodness we’re not like that! I think it must be a reaffirming influence. He has not denied this when confronted. Suspicion confirmed.