So how do you "get along" with someone you completely disagree with? Who does everything opposite of what you believe to be "right"? It's a "perfect world" when everyone DOES agree.

I enjoy discoursing with friends who have different beliefs from me. We're all unique individuals and should be cherished as such. You don't have to agree to enjoy someone's company. Remember, opposites do attract!

There is a very old parable of the prodigal son that kind of covers this stuff for me.

I don't do it all the time, but I try.

To err is human, to forgive, divine.

Twice I have said that this very morning.

I am NOT very religious. I am very trying.

For trivial matters, disagreement is fine...but not when it comes to values, morals, etc. it's not. It's repulsive.

For example: One is law abiding, the other a criminal. One is a religious fanatic, the other an atheist or another religions fanatic. One is conservative, the other believes in entitlements. One believes in monogamy and family, the other has children with multiple fathers. One is a teetotaler, the other a lush.

Opposites attract when each brings something POSITIVE to the relationship. But basically people in a relationship...a healthy one...agree on most things...the important things. Do you hang out with thugs? criminals? alcoholics? cruel people? liars? cheats? Why not? You say opposites attract... No, opposites don't attract...

The villages is what it is because we're basically in agreement with each other. Like minded people get along better.

It would seem that someone intent on having a good time at the square would not want to baby sit their dog. it would seem logical that someone who is considerate would not want to bother people with concern that a dog is sniffing at their feet, tripping over a leash, hearing constant barking and or concerned that they may step on a dog mine.

I too enjoy watching line dancers. However I also want to participate but it seems the line dancers crowd the floor almost all evening.

We could go on but this subject boils down to two basic sort of people and that is those who are considerate and those who only are concerned about their self interests.

That works well....until one brands the other as a "hater" or "racist" for saying they disagree with somebody whose values and ideology they see as pernicious and insidious to society.

per·ni·cious adjective \pər-ˈni-shəs\
: causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed

in·sid·i·ous adjective \in-ˈsi-dē-əs\
a : awaiting a chance to entrap : treacherous
b : harmful but enticing : seductive <insidious drugs>
2a : having a gradual and cumulative effect

There are opposites and there are those that you could never be around -- huge difference. I have one bigotry -- I hate, loathe and despise bigots. I do not tolerate them in my presence. I do not insist they leave, I leave. They have a right to their opinions; I have the right to want to hear them. I have as little chance of changing their mind as they do mine. But, I'll say it again -- unless it is in my home, I would never demand they leave an area just because I don't like them. The same goes with snake handlers, dog lovers, cigar smokers and cigarette smokers -- so long as they follow the laws and rules of an area, do not deliberately put their pets or others in harm's way, smoke where proscribed -- which was the point of my starting this thread. Just because you don't like something or even are afraid of something doesn't give you the right to demand another be removed for your comfort.

Now, if we could have people removed just 'cause, I'd probably start with everyone wearing too much scent (perfume, aftershave, body lotions, shampoo, etc.), then bad toupees, combovers, big hair, women in their 50s and up dressed as if they were in their teens and early twenties, black socks with sandals, loud drunks in Hawaiian shirts .... Would make for a pretty boring town square, don't you think, but it would remove a lot of folks with very bad fashion sense.

Santa is watching.

And listening.

I believe.

Well Said
 

And, there are 3 squares from which to choose. Anyone who doesn't like the company at one can always try another. If that doesn't work, do something else. There is plenty of "stuff" to do here.

This is the best post I've seen .People trying to control others for their own comforts are the problem.Live & let live !

And then there's this thing called "Public Safety".

I laughed, then squinted my eyes in hopes that someone didnt want to add NO ELDERLY in the square. Come one, come all..we will all get over it. (most of us)

Appreciate what you have in your square. I took this pic by Jackson Square in NOLA. His hands are cuffed behind his back. The cop told me to quit embarrassing the guy.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...80353984_n.jpg

OMG it's cousin Bill, I wondered where he got to. I was going to invite him to spend the Holidays with us. Maybe I will bring him to Paddock Square along with his pet Tarantula.

I've learned to deal with it. I pretend to listen, then say "WHATEVER" and as I walk away mumble "Moron". It doesn't make for a perfect world but hey, it works for me.

And yours is the second-best, Bosoxfan.