For the 60th time in American history, a presidential election will take place on Tuesday, November 5. In other words, half the country will be happy when the next president is announced, and the other half will be upset. Half the country will act like the world will end if their candidate isn’t elected. Just a reminder, it won’t.

Former President Bill Clinton once said, “We all do better when we work together.” Our differences certainly matter, but our common humanity matters even more. »

Over the past eight years, that sentiment seemed to be blown out of the water. Friendships and even family relationships have been torn apart solely based on which bubble they fill on a ballot. It was important in 2016, and we were still living our own lives in 2017. Although different in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, we all overcame it and are still here today. Is it crazy to think that the president is not the most important person in our lives? I don’t think so.

Instead of fighting with the people we love over who should be president, we should fight for them. Instead of posting on social media supporting one candidate or bashing another, post about someone who made you smile today. Post an article about your best friend who finally got their dream job. Repost your next door neighbor’s post about trying to find their lost dog. Or even just send a message to someone close to you about how they’ve had a positive impact on your life. These people may not have the same beliefs as you, vote for the same candidate as you, or even agree with you on a political issue. Instead, these are the people who can help you grow, not some leader in Washington DC who probably doesn’t know you exist.

This is not a message from me telling you that it doesn’t matter who becomes the next president. Depending on who you are, there are laws that the president can sign or veto that help you and the people you know. It could be something that helps the company you work for or it could be a law that aligns with your spiritual beliefs. So go vote for who you think will help you the most, whether it’s Harris, Trump, or an independent candidate.

Bridges should not be burned because of a single decision made every four years, especially since it is unlikely that a person will change their mind four years later. Instead, have meaningful conversations about who you’re voting for rather than meaningless arguments that end badly for both sides.

Overall, everyone only has one life to live, no matter who you are. You have the choice to make the choice every day to respect your neighbors, your friends, your teachers, and anyone you call family. Although you can always disagree with someone, it’s more important to be respectful when you do so. In the future, when you cross paths with someone from your past, they will remember you by your character and not by your opinion.