Reply #77: I didn't find it satisfying either

[Armstead]

That's why I was able to let it go so easily.

However, for example, another friend since college is one of my best buds in the world. back in the 70's when we were dorm mates we were alrady different in some of our goals,etc. but what we had in common was much more important....He later became a Christian and more conservative. But the baic rapport and supportiveness is still there.

That's why I said there is no "one size fits all" regarding this. The degree to which politics matters depends IMO on how deep and multi-dimensional the friendship is overall.