Sameness

     I met a stranger today. An older man. I have made a point and been extremely careful not to post anything political on Facebook or to get in political debates of any kind, (not simply because I have no desire to, but also because as a person who many times sides with each party on different things), I have found myself feeling actually confused and defeated by all of the political opinions swirling about lately. 

     When I first began talking to this man, I quickly assessed that we would have nothing in common. I knew we differed politically, and knew after a week of being under the weather that I felt too sick to debate. I wondered where on earth this conversation was going to go. But almost 45 minutes later I was shocked. Even though on the surface,  and possibly after a brief five-minute conversation, you might have thought that there is nothing we would agree on whatsoever. No point in talking.

But after a totally respectful, calm, friendly, 45-minute conversation, I realized he and I are hardly different at all. We agreed on so much more than I realized. We would have never figured that out with a superficial conversation, or a heated moment, or a quick sound bite, or a Facebook post. 

     But after our sometimes deep, and thoughtful conversation, I feel like we walked away feeling that we are on the same team, and I was shocked by our similarities.

     I truly felt energized and even hopeful after our conversation.

     I wonder if the majority of us aren't really, deep down where it counts, on the same side, but in the "lashing out" that seems so common these days, things get totally twisted and misunderstood.

     Away from the TV media, and the baited questions, and social media, I'll bet we are so much more united than we even realize.