Boyfriend’s politics might be a deal-breaker

Dear Amy: My boyfriend of a few months is one of the most caring, sweetest, and genuine guys I have ever met. He’s not just nice to me, but I’ve observed his behavior toward strangers, waitresses, friends, colleagues, etc. He is lovely and kind.

He also supports the current president and loathes the Democratic Party. He is a permanent resident whose family emigrated from a country led by a dictator 52 years ago.

I am the opposite. I was born in this country 47 years ago.

I do not agree with the current administration on anything. He and I do not talk politics much, but we do talk daily about common interests, our respective days, and we spend our available time with one another.

The only other supporter of this president I allow in my life is a family member who is like a mom to me.

Do you think I am crazy if I continue this relationship?

— SDJ in the Northeast

Dear SDJ: I don’t think you’re crazy at all. He might eventually wonder what he is doing with someone who is so closed-minded, however.

Headed into this heated political year, ask yourself: What if I loved everyone? What if I reflexively loved everyone, and let everyone into my life, even people who hold opinions I loathe?

Granted, there are people who espouse hatred and violence toward fellow humans. If you believe that support for the administration automatically places your boyfriend into this category, then you should steer clear of him.

One of the (many) unfortunate aspects of the current political divisiveness in our country is the way both sides characterize the other as “bad, evil, disgusting,” etc. Because this is the incendiary language the president uses, the country seems to have followed suit. But, maybe you’re better than that. And maybe your guy is, too.

Dear Amy: I have a co-worker who became a friend. We would get coffee, have lunch, and take breaks together. But she and I seem to have misunderstandings. We got into a fight, to a point where she told me never to text or call her again. She said that all she wants is a business relationship. She told me, “We can’t be friends, or she will escalate things and report to the boss.”

I gave in and let her have her space. We didn’t talk for about a month.

Then she came back from a trip and offered me cookies she brought from her trip. She came to my desk and told me to pick whichever I wanted.

From that day on, she started talking to me again. She started texting me for favors. I still have not texted her back.

I don’t know what to think. I asked her recently if she sees me as a friend and she said yes, but I don’t really believe her. I don’t want to get hurt again, but I do miss her.

What should I do?

— Workfriend

Dear Workfriend: Your pal seems to be trying to make amends, without actually addressing the direct threat she made to you. No, I don’t think you should trust her. If she overreacted when she promised to report you to the boss, then she should acknowledge this and ask you to forgive her.

Until then, consider yourself burned, and keep your contact strictly professional.

Dear Amy: “Looking for Answers” was an adopted woman who was rebuffed after contacting her birth family.

I was disgusted by your response to her. You suggested that she get a lawyer involved. Why, exactly?

— Disgusted

Dear Disgusted: My answer was long and nuanced. At the end, I suggested that if she wanted to explore her legal options, if any, she should contact a lawyer. For someone seeking answers, this would be the last resort.