Compassion in Controversy

I've made a new friend whose life spins around controversy. It seems that each time we meet, her family is in crisis--or her church--or something in the news has triggered her outrage.

I've tried several different responses. I've listened and shared a personal story. Once in a text exchange, I simply wrote, "I have no opinion." She responded, "Seriously???!!!" She couldn't imagine it.

Most recently, I calmly explained where I stand on a particular issue without casting stones at anyone. I stood for my belief but not against anyone. So far, that approach has worked best.

What I'm searching for is compassion for someone who seems to thrive on dissension. Honestly, I don't like controversy. I ask myself, "How important is it?" In most cases, the answer is, "Not important at all," and I let it go.

But this friend is challenging me to this opportunity to learn compassion for those who seek controversy.

You write it:  What is your relationship with controversy?