We can be neighbors
We can listen.
We can talk.
We can argue.
We can, hopefully grow from the experience of one another.

We can be neighbors.
We can respect one another’s rights.
Even if what you stand for undermines what I believe to be good and right, I can assume that your intent is an admirable one – that you are driven by a desire to protect what you love and value.
You can assume that of me as well.

We can even love – because love has no bounds.

But we can’t be friends.

If you believe that name calling is ok, we can’t be friends.
If you think that any human has more of a right to security, health, and peace of mind than any other, we can’t be friends.
If you think that hateful words and hurtful actions can be dismissed without consequence, we can’t be friends.
If your beliefs stop you from being able to listen to other perspectives, we can’t be friends.
If you repeat what you hear without thinking about it from all sides, without making sure you have good reason to repeat it, just because it makes you feel good, we can’t be friends.

But we can be neighbors.
Neighbors can listen.
Neighbors can talk.
Neighbors can argue.
Neighbors can, hopefully, grow from the experience of one another.

Neighbors can even love – because love has no bounds.

And sometimes by listening, and talking, and arguing, and hopefully growing from the experience of one another…

…sometimes neighbors can become friends.