Day: January 29, 2022

I’ve had some time to think, and I think that I can see a relationship between personal relationships and politics.

I’ve followed the “horse race” of political campaigns and critiques of why a certain candidate does well and another doesn’t.

And, at times: sometimes candidates are hurt, and mortally hurt, because the public just doesn’t like them.

Al Gore was the first one I really noticed. Yes, I voted for him; but I remember being a bit turned off by his debate performance with then Governor Bush; and..I am ashamed to admit this…I really thought either would do fine as President. My parents, who were lifelong Texans, warned me: “you are thinking he is like his dad; he isn’t ..he is nowhere near as smart.” They were right, of course, but at the time, Bush was seen as being more likeable.

Then there was 2016. Hillary Clinton admitted in her book that many just did not like her (ok, same for Trump, though..the reasons were different); and the very intelligent Elizabeth Warren had that trouble too.

And there is the rub: once a politician is disliked, it is difficult for them to regain lost ground, no matter how competent their policy proposals or personal competence.

And, I believe the same is true in personal relationships, either platonic or romantic.

If you want to be friends (or more) with someone, and they just don’t like you (for whatever reason); there is really little you can do. Yes, one can wear them down.. maybe bribe them with offers of things (outings, favors, perhaps even sex) but if you are not liked, you’ll never be comfortable or fulfilled.

Finding a need or desire that they have and giving it to them: well…you’ll just be nothing more than a provider of things to them; it might work if you want a cat.

Then there is the other side; if you like each other, then it is well worth working through disagreements or their faults (we all have them); here is probably best to admit it and try to make it work.