Since the tragedy of November 2016, I’ve avoided contacting a Republican guy I know.

He sent me this message this morning. I’m really weirded out by this.

As I face a new year I find myself at a crossroads: I would like to know what, if anything, you hope for from our friendship. I have waited patiently for some sign from you that you intend to re-establish communication with me that doesn’t involve accusing me of racism, fascism or some equally serious moral defect.

I will not, cannot, apologize for my political outlook or affiliation. Nor have I done you any wrong. The way I see it, you must decide whether your desire to keep yourself unsullied by associating with a Republican (even one so unwaveringly anti-Trump as I) means more to you than the friendship and acts of kindness I have tried to show you over the years.

The ball is now squarely in your court. Decide. If I do not hear from you within 48 hours I will take it that you have opted for ideological purity.

Either way, as a (former?) friend I will offer one final piece of advice: Be very careful, lest you become the very thing you hate the most: a closed-minded bigot who judges others based on labels and appearances, that than on their character and actions.

Unapologetically yours,
Xxxxxxxx