I agree with you 100%! Btw, I have a few relatives who voted for the 🍊clown in 2016, 2020 and probably this past November 2024 election. The last time I talked to them was mid summer 2020. I have lost contact with people who I went to school with and graduated from high school. This year is my 45th year reunion from high school(class of 1980). I do not even know if they are planning an event. Well, if I receive an invitation in the mail. It’s going into the trash because I’m not planning to attend the event. Well, I’m not on social media anymore because it’s a toxic cesspool.
Richard you’ll be so much more content not hanging with those people. We can choose who we wish to spend time with. Life is too short to be with mean-spirited toxic people. 💙💙
Well, after I graduated from high school in June 1980. I never kept in touch with any of my teachers. Now it’s 2025. Over half of the teachers I had in junior high and high school are deceased.
I Lost a lot of friends but I found the ones who stood by me and found they were not fair weather friends but dear to me. Glad things are working out for you Susan!
I'm still in touch with Nancy who was in my 5th and 6th grade classes. In 7th grade I met Dianne who has become one of my dearest friends even though she lives in Perth, Australia.
I passed out early this evening. (yesterday, actually😂) I woke up at 2:30AM to see that you wrote a new piece. I've grown distant from many people over the recent years due to the hideous turn in our Nation. I haven't had a connection with my family since 2021. They went full MAGA and disowned me. It's tough during the Holidays, but I don't compromise with fascists. I'm appreciative of my many Substack friends, especially you. My life has been truly enriched as a result. That Carole King song puts a lump in my throat every time. Thanks for you and your writing. We'll all get through this. We have each other to lean on. I'll be in touch.❤️❤️😘
I think you should say “I disowned them”. Because you have standards and integrity. They have none. I go somewhere for the holidays. By myself. It’s like a present to my myself. I’m so glad I know you…we WILL get through this-with new friends!!
Sometimes, you just have to let these people go from your life. I DID have Tim... a rare and wonderful connection. He loved me like no other and I miss him everyday. We should all be grateful for the positive connections in our lives!
Thanks for this, Susan. As a 66-year-old survivor of childhood trauma (and plenty in my adult life), I’ve never had many friends; we moved every 2-3 years internationally, and I’ve moved way too much as an adult. My best friend Michelle lives in Las Vegas. My friend Linda, who founded the animal welfare organization in Guatemala that I volunteered for when I lived there, and which rescued my late Spotty off the street, is Canadian and lives in Calgary. My husband is my platonic partner (he was friends with my late partner), and I’m fortunate he arrived in my life ten years ago, six months after Lisa died. My sisters are toxic, and I don’t have a relationship with either of them. My long-winded way of saying I’m grateful for the digital connections I make here.
It's the quality, not the quantity, Paula...and it saves money on Christmas. 😂😂
Side note: I visited Calgary once...what a great city. (And Toronto!!) If only Canada would let me move there...I suspect I wouldn't be accepted.
I feel so relieved to have gotten to know so many people who have strong values and care about humanity... all on this platform. Now I meet you...wonderful! Thanks so much for being here. HUGS!
My closest friends and I are on the same page as is my family. Two long term friends were cut loose several years ago because of Trump. I got over it. It’s much easier to let someone go when they showed that hate and bigotry were more important than the welfare of the country as a whole. Thank you, Susan!
It IS easier. This must be natures way of thinning our herds. 🤣
I NEVER EVER thought I would see Americans behaving this poorly. I can't stand it. But I am damned happy to have found a community here. Gives me hope...I dont feel as alone.
Thank You, Kay El and keep your beautiful flower memes coming! 😍
Right on, sister! ✊️ We can't pick our family, but we sure can make up for it in like-minded friends. There's nothing wrong with having boundaries. MAGA can go fuck themselves. I have zero tolerance. Covid was the gift that gave me the tools to clean the closet with people I just didn't want to be around anymore. Done and done.
I have found a glorious friend in you. I'm so looking forward to hanging out soon. We sound too much alike. 🤣 Look out world. We're coming in pairs! Hey, fuck 'em if they can't take a joke!! Love you! ❤️
See? This is how Substack works! Boundaries are important. So is human decency and common fucking sense. The people who you think should have both typically dont have either!
I'm looking forward to bitching about MAGA with you in person! 😂 Love ya back! 😘
Hot topic and one I struggle with almost daily. It’s complicated, emotionally charged, and nothing positive contributes to the subject EXCEPT for finding our tribes digitally. It doesn’t completely fill the bill for meaningful one on one connection and conversation, but if I didn’t have this I’d be considered an isolated little dewdrop in the human realm. So thankful for this.
You bet it's complicated. The felon has brought out the very worst in people. America's racism and misogyny will be our undoing. So primitive. The people who have found Substack seem to share a vision for a greater good and that does give me hope. So I'm with you...thankful!!
I had to leave my only sibling and his family behind as we are different as day and night. I have always known this , but being a rabid,rabid (did I say rabid)Trump supporter was the red line I could not cross. I feel very scared, vulnerable, and unsure of my future with this incompetent regime he has hired to ‘run the govt’. A 22 yo college graduate is now in charge of national security??? Shit show at every level. I also left behind a couple of long time friends as well. I am active with our local Indivisible group and with that found the ‘family’I want in my life. I am so lucky to have other long time friends that keep me laughing and centered. Hope to see everyone on the streets June 14th!! Hey hey ho ho. . . .Donald Trump has got to GO!!
You are not alone in feeling unsure of the future. It helps me so much to have found my people here on Substack... like you! I'll be out on June 14th as well. And being out the country as much as I can also helps. Perhaps one day, that will be a permanent arrangement. 🤔 Time will tell!! THANK YOU ANNE!
I definitely consider you a friend, Susan! I always enjoy the time we spend together, and am already looking forward to the next time.
There are a few people who are no longer welcome in my life because of the felon, but, looking back, they never belonged there to begin with. The world should be powered by love, not hate.
Losing friends and family over politics sucks Susan but having a moral compass is so important to me as well. Like you I’ve cut people out too. Unfortunately the society we live in. When I watch what’s going on in the USA I’m appalled and scared but we must be vigilant to. I keep a tight circle of friends as well and I’m better off for it. I’m glad I met you here on Substack your posts have enriched my life from music to like political views to bourbon to your amazing photography I’m so glad to have connected as I’m sure most of us who subscribe and communicate with you are as too (I’d say all but there are the trolls 😂😂😂) cheers 🍻!
I'm convinced someday, I will buy you a beer, Pete! And we'll talk bourbon, too! 😂
We certainly have also much in common! I like to say "Friends I've never met" but I feel like I know several of you very deeply. That connection in these frightening times helps SO MUCH! HUGS!
Well-said, Susan! I concur 100% and at my age, I don’t have to worry about shunning pro-felon Trump and maga. We need to teach young adults that the world doesn’t end when bad people are dropped. 🇺🇸
You know, I have been accused of being very black and white about things. And ok... maybe I am. But this is a line I can't cross. This is our democracy, dammit. Our very way of life is being accosted. I just cant with these people. And I wont. So thank you Diane, for understanding. 💙💙💙💙
And I would like to call you a digital friend! I agree with everything you say—lol (so far!) Just kidding! Love Carole King…and you have broadened my horizons on music that you have shared. I have a few close friends with similar political views. We talk daily and it helps to vent! June 14th…I will be protesting with Marvin Gaye’s tune, “What’s Going On?” in my head! Have a relaxing evening Susan!🍷
I agree with you 100%! Btw, I have a few relatives who voted for the 🍊clown in 2016, 2020 and probably this past November 2024 election. The last time I talked to them was mid summer 2020. I have lost contact with people who I went to school with and graduated from high school. This year is my 45th year reunion from high school(class of 1980). I do not even know if they are planning an event. Well, if I receive an invitation in the mail. It’s going into the trash because I’m not planning to attend the event. Well, I’m not on social media anymore because it’s a toxic cesspool.
Richard you’ll be so much more content not hanging with those people. We can choose who we wish to spend time with. Life is too short to be with mean-spirited toxic people. 💙💙
Well, after I graduated from high school in June 1980. I never kept in touch with any of my teachers. Now it’s 2025. Over half of the teachers I had in junior high and high school are deceased.
I get it...many of mine are gone, too. It's always good to reach pout to those that meant a lot to you.
I Lost a lot of friends but I found the ones who stood by me and found they were not fair weather friends but dear to me. Glad things are working out for you Susan!
I'm still in touch with Nancy who was in my 5th and 6th grade classes. In 7th grade I met Dianne who has become one of my dearest friends even though she lives in Perth, Australia.
You are so lucky Don! That’s wonderful…I don’t believe I have anyone from grade school still in my life. Those a precious relationships!!!
I have a hard time being around MAGA people with NO morals, they make my skin crawl. I only like happy sane people so that I don't loose it.
I hear you! I’m fearful of these people. Ugh!
I passed out early this evening. (yesterday, actually😂) I woke up at 2:30AM to see that you wrote a new piece. I've grown distant from many people over the recent years due to the hideous turn in our Nation. I haven't had a connection with my family since 2021. They went full MAGA and disowned me. It's tough during the Holidays, but I don't compromise with fascists. I'm appreciative of my many Substack friends, especially you. My life has been truly enriched as a result. That Carole King song puts a lump in my throat every time. Thanks for you and your writing. We'll all get through this. We have each other to lean on. I'll be in touch.❤️❤️😘
I think you should say “I disowned them”. Because you have standards and integrity. They have none. I go somewhere for the holidays. By myself. It’s like a present to my myself. I’m so glad I know you…we WILL get through this-with new friends!!
The bitch session will be happening. 😂😂 Booze, gummies, good food, and a good friend. 👍 That's all I need. Can't wait!! 🤪❤️❤️❤️
LOL! I need the break from Philly. Looking forward to it. 😊
Oooh, can I crash that party?!? Hahaha! Love and hugs to you, Susan!
Love you Karen!!! Of course you can!! Hope to see you soon!!❤️
Susan Niemann: Two long term friends (for circa 25 years) TERMINATED due to moral principles.
Women are increasingly balancing career and beautiful kids, STRONG WITH NO NEED OF A MAN OR MALE COMPANIONSHIP.
You had Tim, which is very rare.
These women in your life provide you spiritual nourishment and strength.
Sometimes, you just have to let these people go from your life. I DID have Tim... a rare and wonderful connection. He loved me like no other and I miss him everyday. We should all be grateful for the positive connections in our lives!
Thank you. 💙💙
Thanks for this, Susan. As a 66-year-old survivor of childhood trauma (and plenty in my adult life), I’ve never had many friends; we moved every 2-3 years internationally, and I’ve moved way too much as an adult. My best friend Michelle lives in Las Vegas. My friend Linda, who founded the animal welfare organization in Guatemala that I volunteered for when I lived there, and which rescued my late Spotty off the street, is Canadian and lives in Calgary. My husband is my platonic partner (he was friends with my late partner), and I’m fortunate he arrived in my life ten years ago, six months after Lisa died. My sisters are toxic, and I don’t have a relationship with either of them. My long-winded way of saying I’m grateful for the digital connections I make here.
It's the quality, not the quantity, Paula...and it saves money on Christmas. 😂😂
Side note: I visited Calgary once...what a great city. (And Toronto!!) If only Canada would let me move there...I suspect I wouldn't be accepted.
I feel so relieved to have gotten to know so many people who have strong values and care about humanity... all on this platform. Now I meet you...wonderful! Thanks so much for being here. HUGS!
My closest friends and I are on the same page as is my family. Two long term friends were cut loose several years ago because of Trump. I got over it. It’s much easier to let someone go when they showed that hate and bigotry were more important than the welfare of the country as a whole. Thank you, Susan!
It IS easier. This must be natures way of thinning our herds. 🤣
I NEVER EVER thought I would see Americans behaving this poorly. I can't stand it. But I am damned happy to have found a community here. Gives me hope...I dont feel as alone.
Thank You, Kay El and keep your beautiful flower memes coming! 😍
♥️
Right on, sister! ✊️ We can't pick our family, but we sure can make up for it in like-minded friends. There's nothing wrong with having boundaries. MAGA can go fuck themselves. I have zero tolerance. Covid was the gift that gave me the tools to clean the closet with people I just didn't want to be around anymore. Done and done.
I have found a glorious friend in you. I'm so looking forward to hanging out soon. We sound too much alike. 🤣 Look out world. We're coming in pairs! Hey, fuck 'em if they can't take a joke!! Love you! ❤️
"Look out world. We're coming in pairs!"
See? This is how Substack works! Boundaries are important. So is human decency and common fucking sense. The people who you think should have both typically dont have either!
I'm looking forward to bitching about MAGA with you in person! 😂 Love ya back! 😘
Hot topic and one I struggle with almost daily. It’s complicated, emotionally charged, and nothing positive contributes to the subject EXCEPT for finding our tribes digitally. It doesn’t completely fill the bill for meaningful one on one connection and conversation, but if I didn’t have this I’d be considered an isolated little dewdrop in the human realm. So thankful for this.
You bet it's complicated. The felon has brought out the very worst in people. America's racism and misogyny will be our undoing. So primitive. The people who have found Substack seem to share a vision for a greater good and that does give me hope. So I'm with you...thankful!!
I had to leave my only sibling and his family behind as we are different as day and night. I have always known this , but being a rabid,rabid (did I say rabid)Trump supporter was the red line I could not cross. I feel very scared, vulnerable, and unsure of my future with this incompetent regime he has hired to ‘run the govt’. A 22 yo college graduate is now in charge of national security??? Shit show at every level. I also left behind a couple of long time friends as well. I am active with our local Indivisible group and with that found the ‘family’I want in my life. I am so lucky to have other long time friends that keep me laughing and centered. Hope to see everyone on the streets June 14th!! Hey hey ho ho. . . .Donald Trump has got to GO!!
You are not alone in feeling unsure of the future. It helps me so much to have found my people here on Substack... like you! I'll be out on June 14th as well. And being out the country as much as I can also helps. Perhaps one day, that will be a permanent arrangement. 🤔 Time will tell!! THANK YOU ANNE!
I definitely consider you a friend, Susan! I always enjoy the time we spend together, and am already looking forward to the next time.
There are a few people who are no longer welcome in my life because of the felon, but, looking back, they never belonged there to begin with. The world should be powered by love, not hate.
"The world should be powered by love, not hate."
This is one of the many reasons I just love you. See you again soon!
Love you too! 🥰
Losing friends and family over politics sucks Susan but having a moral compass is so important to me as well. Like you I’ve cut people out too. Unfortunately the society we live in. When I watch what’s going on in the USA I’m appalled and scared but we must be vigilant to. I keep a tight circle of friends as well and I’m better off for it. I’m glad I met you here on Substack your posts have enriched my life from music to like political views to bourbon to your amazing photography I’m so glad to have connected as I’m sure most of us who subscribe and communicate with you are as too (I’d say all but there are the trolls 😂😂😂) cheers 🍻!
I'm convinced someday, I will buy you a beer, Pete! And we'll talk bourbon, too! 😂
We certainly have also much in common! I like to say "Friends I've never met" but I feel like I know several of you very deeply. That connection in these frightening times helps SO MUCH! HUGS!
Yes it does Susan and absolutely having a cold beer with you someday would absolutely be great 😊!
Well-said, Susan! I concur 100% and at my age, I don’t have to worry about shunning pro-felon Trump and maga. We need to teach young adults that the world doesn’t end when bad people are dropped. 🇺🇸
You know, I have been accused of being very black and white about things. And ok... maybe I am. But this is a line I can't cross. This is our democracy, dammit. Our very way of life is being accosted. I just cant with these people. And I wont. So thank you Diane, for understanding. 💙💙💙💙
And I would like to call you a digital friend! I agree with everything you say—lol (so far!) Just kidding! Love Carole King…and you have broadened my horizons on music that you have shared. I have a few close friends with similar political views. We talk daily and it helps to vent! June 14th…I will be protesting with Marvin Gaye’s tune, “What’s Going On?” in my head! Have a relaxing evening Susan!🍷
Oh Tess...we are digital friends for sure! We are a great example of how Substack brings people together...I dont feel alone here.
And.... That is an excellent song for June 14th! 👏👏👏 I'll use it!