Compromise or Isolation?

I've been struggling with one question lately. Is it possible to be friends with someone who holds contradictory values and opinions? You might be tempted to say "yes" right off the bat.

But seriously think about the question for a minute. Can you maintain a true friendship if you live completely different lives? If your differences are shallow, then maintaining a friendship is simple. What I'm talking about is two people on opposite ends of the spectrum.

I'm not saying that I wouldn't be friends with somone on the opposite end of the spectrum. What I am asking is whether it's possible to sustain a strong long-lasting friendship. In an ideal world, the answer would always be yes.

I don't have the answer to this question. What I do know is that I am not willing to ignore my personal convictions for the sake of a friendship. I CAN reserve judgement over someone else's choices, but I will not abandon my convictions....or pretend to abandon....just to win a friend. Exactly how honest would that be?

I think the problem lies in what all of us seek from our friends...approval. So I guess my question should be...can I be friends with someone if I don't approve of their choices? The answer would probably still be yes in some cases, but in other cases, it's just not possible.

And you know what? That's okay! We're not all destined to be friends with each other. But what we can be is friendly. There is a huge difference, but I think both are equally important.

I think the answer to my question lies in the hearts of the two individuals. If both are willing to accept that they disagree with certain things, then they can probably build a strong friendship. If that willingness is not there, then a friendship is not meant to be.

It's a tough situation because there are so many cool people in this world, and we could learn a lot from each other if we'd just let the walls come down. That doesn't mean I'm betraying my beliefs...it just means that I'm willing to accpet the differences and find some common ground to stand on. If we do not, then we're isolated from each other...and that's worse.