Do you ever have the feeling that no matter where you go, the noise and nonsense follow you like an overenthusiastic puppy? We moved in part to get away, and to some extent, we don’t hear it as much here. We feel great, usually. But when we talk to anyone in the States, or mistakenly flip to an English-language news station, we get earfuls of things like: “Educators are getting fired for voicing opinions.” “The Right pummels the Left; the Left throws softballs back.” “Oh all those woke lefties should shut up!”
America, according to Statista research, apparently has more guns than people—352 million guns ready to protect citizens from… well, themselves? As a former teacher, I can tell you that schools in the U.S. look like tiny fortresses, complete with barbed wire, locked gates, and guards surrounding the perimeter. Hostages are still held in Gaza. People are starving in Palestinian-held territories, in Sudan, in South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Haiti. And tech billionaires keep getting richer while supporting a guy who sends masked police to pull people out of car, throwing them in prisons for no other reason than the color of their skin. It seems the world’s collective humanity has hit the snooze button.
But has it? I don’t know. I can only hope the next generation does it better.
Meanwhile, here in Greece, I’m plagued by Meta’s algorithms. The online pleas for Walking Yoga, Cortisol Detox, and Weekly Fasting are relentless. “All free!” they say—until you want the personalized plan they’ve designed based on the answers you’ve given them. (Yes, I know WHY DID I GIVE THEM ANYTHING??) Then, boom! You’re part of the plan. If by mistake you click on something, they’ll charge you 39.99 a month. And the horror stories of trying to get your money back! That’s a whole Stack in itself.
I walk the beautiful paths, swim in the glistening Sea of Messinia, and sometimes fall down hills like playful pandas rolling in the dust. Mostly happy, really. It IS possible.
Now, about the noise—especially the political noise with friends—here’s the game plan to stay sane: you ever feel like political conversations with friends are less cordial and more “boxing match in slow motion”? Opinions fly like confetti—loud, colorful, and impossible to clean up. Suddenly, the night is spent defending your beliefs like it’s a gladiator arena, except the weapons are words, and someone’s feelings usually get hurt.
Here’s a bit of secret sauce that might help to stay calm in these political squalls:
Remember, friendship comes first. Winning the argument isn’t a trophy worth a broken bond. Politics will change, but good friends don’t have expiration dates.
Don’t stop being curious, just not combative. Ask questions like you’re Sherlock Holmes on an investigation: “Tell me more about why you think that?” It flips the script from debate to discovery. I need to remember this one. I tend to be a bit combative the more we get into a discussion.
When talking with those whose opinions you really hate, reframe the thought that you’re speaking to someone who is intoxicated. At least they’re drunk on their words and thoughts! Just nod.
Pick the right setting: private chats beat public shout-fests. When emotions flare, stepping away from the roaring crowd allows cooler heads to prevail.
And if things get tense, a little humor can be the diffuser. Like saying, “I’m just here trying not to mess up my feng shui, let alone my friendships.” Laughter reminds everyone we’re humans first, politicians second.
Lastly, know your limits. It’s okay to say, “Let’s pause before this turns into a reality show.” Protecting your calm is totally acceptable.
Speaking of limits, can the algorithm just back off for a second? Because sometimes, I just want to feel comfortable in my own body and not feel like a walking billboard targeted by every wellness guru promising the next miracle cure. No more “Detox! Fasting! Walking Yoga!”—I’m good, really. I swim, I walk, I roll down hills like a panda who forgot where it left its bamboo, and that’s my human-centered self-care. So all you precious algorithms, thanks, but no thanks. I’m comfortable in my skin, and that’s all the plan I need.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all tried this approach—not just to political talks, but to life’s noise—be curious, calm, and maybe a little playful panda-ish. It’s possible to love your friends, keep your peace, and enjoy a life that’s a bit less noisy and a lot more humane.
Thank you for reading! PLEASE DO VOICE YOUR OPINION, and I promise I won’t think you’re drunk!
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Our household is dynamic, to put it favorably. George watches Fox News because he's from a Communist country; for every 2 hours of Fox I make him watch 1 hour of CNN. I don't always disagree with Fox, I like to see criminals held accountable and wasteful spending reduced. However, what I cannot take is them blaming Democrat "rhetoric" for this shooting when their leader just called the left vermin, immigrants poison, and the press the "Enemy of the People". Never mind Trump actually posting a picture of Joe Biden hogtied in the back of a pickup truck. So yes, the struggle is real, and it is ongoing.
It’s possible to love your friends, keep your peace, and enjoy a life that’s a bit less noisy and a lot more humane. BRAVO!