Now That It’s Finally Election Day, Can We All Be Friends Again?

It’s finally here (thank God). Election Day. More specifically, 2024 Election Day.

Some are calling it the most polarizing presidential election in U.S. history. It has resulted in shouting matches, violence, breakups, estranged family members, failed Facebook friendships — you name it. Emotions have been running high for months, along with a slew of hateful rather passionate social media posts, most of which frankly, I will not miss in the least. Bring back the ever-present facade of Facebook happiness! Give me your baby pics, your filtered selfies, your overly posed family photos, and your status updates about how you’re #blessed.

While I can respect your political opinions, I admit it — I’m tired of hearing them. And if you must know, yes, I voted. For whom? That’s none of your business. (Side note: Not one of your hate articles, passionately pushy posts, or angry memes helped me make my decision. I based my decision off of my core values and beliefs, along with a “Who Should You Vote For?” quiz on the Washington Post‘s website.)

After today, my sincere hope is that we can all come together and rise above any anger or disappointment that settles in as a result of the electoral outcome.

Let’s go from this:

To this:

Because let’s be honest — you’re probably not going to move to Canada if XXX is elected. The world isn’t going to end. Target will continue to open at 8 a.m. Oreos will continue to make special flavors for every holiday of the year. Our kids will continue to fight the incessant evil that is bedtime. The sun will rise, the birds will chirp, and we’ll all have to continue to wear seat belts and pay our taxes. Thanksgiving will soon be here (YASSS, all of the food!), and Santa Claus will come a month thereafter.

Call me naive, but we’re all gonna be okay. I promise. So, can we semi-get along and be friends now?

This post was originally published in 2016, updated in 2024.