A few years ago, I had the cherished opportunity to sit with good friends as we shared dinner and happy recollections. In the course of the conversation, one friend shared a political idea that felt woefully uninformed to me.

I had a decision to make. Would I let the comment slide or would I challenge it? I could have enjoyed the togetherness. I could have celebrated the life and love that he and I had shared over the years.

I didn’t.

I challenged his statement with rather strong expressions. When he defended his position, I responded with what I felt at the time were simply direct statements of “fact.” The heated interchange lasted too long. We both left feeling hurt and defensive.

The next day, both of us apologized. But the warmth and closeness were damaged. Unfortunately, that good

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