Today's "rules" would say we shouldn't have been friends.
When I started at GEICO at 20, I worked alongside a woman named Rachel. Today's "rules" would say we shouldn't have been friends. Different generations, different politics, different worldviews.
But we never talked about those things. Instead, we bonded over our dogs, shared work challenges, and celebrated life's moments together.
I learned a lot from that friendship. So much, I remember it well all these years later.
She taught me that to connect deeply with someone, you don’t have to think the same, vote the same, live in the same neighborhood, or be part of the same generation.
Relationships can be built on shared experiences, common interests, and genuine care for each other as humans.
These days, it seems to me we're increasingly isolating ourselves in echo chambers of like-minded people. What meaningful friendships and perspectives are we missing by filtering relationships through political, ideological and generational lenses?
I don’t care to hear about who you voted for, or your opinion about vaccines. I respect your right to believe what you want and follow what serves you. But I'd love to know if you have pets, what brings you joy, what adventures you've been on. Let's talk about your favorite coffee shop, the book that changed your life, the last time something made you laugh until you cried.
The best friendships often emerge from unexpected places. Rachel and I worked side by side for years, sharing life's ups and downs.
Maybe it's time to focus less on what divides us and more on what brings us together.
