My bestest, goodest friend asked me this question a few days ago and I never answered him. Partly because I asked him what he meant and he never answered me and partly because it took me that long to really think about it.
Can opposites be friends?
Yes. I believe opposites can be friends. I believe opposites can be GREAT friends. Let’s address a few things.
There has to be a willingness to work through issues. Without that, obviously the friendship will fail.
Politics. This is a big one. I think friends can work their way through politics. It’s the whole agree to disagree. You don’t have to be ugly to each other. You have to not take their point of view personally. I know that can be very difficult for a lot of people. There is a whole lot of grace and understanding needed when it comes to differing views of politics. For example, my bestest, goodest friend and I are on total opposite ends of the spectrum, but we are not enemies, and I think that’s great. We can totally exist in the same space and not hate each other.
Mutual Growth. I think differing views creates the opportunity for mutual growth. Mutual growth is a good thing. Differing points of view allows both parties to look at things from a different perspective. It doesn’t necessarily mean changing their minds on the situation, but creating the ability to understand the other person better.
Compromise. Both parties have to be able to compromise. They have to be able to meet in the middle, or do their best to respect each other’s life choices.
Learning each other. Usually, having such polarizing view points means that you grew up in polarizing environments. Not always, but usually. It usually means that the way you grew up was different and your life experiences are different. Those differences make for interesting conversations and just getting to know each other.
Now lovers. I think that can be a bit more complicated. Now you are getting into the realm of sleep patterns, spending patterns, child raising patterns, etc. I won’t go into those here, but I will go on to say that I think opposites can be lovers. It’s just hard work and most people aren’t willing to put in that hard work. If you were to ask me if I would be willing to put in the hard work, I would be. I think if I loved the core of a person, I could work through the complicated details.
What do you think? Do you think opposites can be friends? What about lovers?
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