For some reason I happened to think of an old childhood friend I knew when I was 6-8. I decided to look her up on FB. She had moved to GA, and I remember we had a phone call shortly after her move. That was our last contact in 20 years.
I got excited when I saw that she accepted my friend request and that she must remember me. I lurked her profile to realize that we would probably not be friends today. Our political/social differences are huge. I think my jaw dropped when I saw she was a "fan" of "Protect Marriage - One Man, One Woman" and now her status updates are Obama slams.
Has anyone been completely surprised by something when reconnecting with old friends online?
Re: FB letdown
To be honest, if I just went off of FB updates, I probably wouldn't be friends with any of my "real life" friends either....or at least a few of them (some super conservatives -- we basically get along because we share interests in other things and just never speak of politics or religion...)
I have found out through facebook about many marriages, births, and coming outs -- nothing that would change my friend status with them, but all interesting/random information none the less.
I agree SBS. Upon reflection my OP sounds a little off. I have friends who have different views than me, and I'm all about "variety is the spice of life." But seeing that my only connection with this friend was 20 years ago when we played Barbies... I guess I was just caught offguard. She's going to eventually go to my hide list because her status updates are beyond ridiculous to me - slam after slam about Obama's speech right now, with asinine comments from her friends including one from her mom referring to Obama as a "commie."
Plus I sent her a message that she hasn't responded to yet. Maybe she took a glance at my profile, saw that I was a dirty liberal and that I oppose Prop 8, and felt the same as I did above.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
No, I agree with you. It was just that there were A LOT of polar views going on. I'm completely open to different perspectives - except an a-hole perspective. I'm jumping the gun on thinking we may not ressurect a friendship, even by FB terms.
A couple of years ago I friended on myspace my first ever best friend (from the same era). Her interests involved "porn and anal sex." Considering my only memories of HER were fuzzy elementary school sleepovers, THAT was quite a shock too! Ha.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
I know what you mean, Mamie. Obviously you're not going to not be friends with someone because of their political beliefs, but this girl sounds a little extreme, and you probably got this picture in your head of her being just like you, since it sonds like you were inseparable when you last knew her. I wonder if she would have turned out differently if she had moved to, say, Vermont.
i have a similar situation, except my long lost friend turned out to be STUPID. like status update after status update of nonsense -- "OMG! My luvv and I R going to lewk for new houses!!! yipeee!!" and my favorite -- "Off to get a tecnis shot!"
Maybe not just like me, but perhaps not as extreme. It seems our only compatabilities are that we're both married and like Grey's Anatomy.
And still no response back from her.
Oh no. Did you have to defriend your long lost friend? It's such a letdown - exactly the kind of story I was seeking. Maybe FB is the the devil after all. The memories of these childhood friends maybe should have been kept memories.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
I don't know if it's the 3/4 bottle of chardonnay I've downed or what, but I find this conversation very enlightening/amusing.
Oh, and on the note of Obama's speech...my friend called me from work the other day to quote a customer who said:
"What's parents' problem with the speech? They're in public school in California, it's probably the LEAST LIBERAL thing they'll hear all year!"
That got cheers from me. Haha.
It's not the wine. We're just really amusing. ; )
Love that woman in your story.
Here's my contribution. I got involved in a longass political discussion on FB about it yesterday. I snarked, "Think of the children!! This speech can only lead to anarchy and the fall of the free world. Just you wait -- I bet the administration packed some subliminal messages on the video, just like that episode of Saved By The Bell when Zach has the school they're in love with him with the Beau Revere tape."
Someone commented after me saying, "god bless you. And god bless Zach Morris."
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
Oh. My. God.
I mean, I'm all for the sanctity of the word of Zach Morris, but REALLY???
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
Don't back down, Mamie. I agree with you. Variety IS the spice of life. I have a very conservative friend and, honestly, I think I really understand why people are conservative on issues where I am very liberal. It's just a different point of view, a different life, a different perspective towards money allocation, social safety, and values.
However, being exposed to that ignorant vitriol which is just meant to enflame and not provide any real insight, that is the sort of thing that grinds on the soul. Drop her. You'll be happier.
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Lark, thanks. I'll give it a few more updates to decide. And especially if she never responds to my message. This was her last one of the night, which shows me there may be a *spark* of open-mindedness:
Enjoyed reading everyone's comments tonight... We may not all agree on every point, but that is what makes America the greatest freakin country on Earth! God bless!Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12