The mailboxes in my neighborhood are all grouped together in a cul-de-sac. It’s a short walk to the mailboxes from my home. On my way to my mailbox a neighbor was walking toward me with his mail. We stopped, greeted each other, and engaged in conversation. I triy to avoid discussions about religion or politics, especially with neighbors or casual acquaintances. Guess where my neighbor wanted to go? No, he didn’t want to talk religion, he was on a well-motivated rant about his political views. My views were diametrically opposed to his views. I did get a moment when he was gasping for air, and said, “I see things differently.” Well, that only stoked his fire and off he went again. I listened until he ran out of gas. He finally said, “Thanks for listening, I had to get it off my chest.” I had given some thought to engaging with him, but I felt we were both fixed in our positions. I like him as a person and as a neighbor, why let something so trivial get between the relationship we have. It doesn’t always have to be a battle. Sometimes it’s better to let things go.