Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to meet many people with various values and nature.

Needless to

say that personally I do not think that it is a matter of a broad range of similarities. Relationships are always based on

empathy, good manners and respect.

When I was younger, I used to fight a lot with my sister, we were and we are very different. My mum would make

us apologize and patch up our differences so that we would be Friends again. We have gone through thick and thin we

do not always see eye to eye in everything but today she is my shoulder to cry on. This also goes on with my husband.

After years of arguing about politics, we finally decided to bury the hatchet and to stop trying to change other’s opinions.

No intensive discussions enable us to live better, happier and richer lives together. I also must say that communication is

at the heart of any good relationship. It sounds simple but relationship difficulties are often caused by poor communication.

In view of all the above, I am not saying you should not have different ideas between friends. Many times I have

greatly enjoyed a good dissertation with a good wine around a table. However, I mean there are issues that you should

not deal with certain people. That respect and education to which I refer above is the one that should warn us when it is

time to withdrawal. Many times a timely retreat is a victory and a good way to get along with everyone.

All in all, different opinions enrich conversations and help us to get to know each other. Friendship helps us enjoy

our similarities while respecting our differences.

Cristina de Lorenzo

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