Imperfect world

[mrph]

<rant>

I don't expect all my friends to get along with each other, but the world would certainly be a lot simpler if they did. Still, there's enough History (and enough variety in personalities and worldviews) there to ensure that's not going to happen any time soon. *sigh*

The fact remains, though, that the people in question are all my friends, and I refuse to take sides in history/personality squabbles. If it's actually about recent incidents/behaviour... well, that might be different. But it never is, is it?

</rant&g

Comments

Yes, yes and yes

[mrph.livejournal.com]

...and the example you quote sounds very familiar. Still, such is life. *sigh*

[girfan.livejournal.com]

The hardest thing is what to do when we finally have a housewarming party...or a barbeque.

If I say to myself "they are all my friends and they will have to deal", I may end up with people in separate parts of the house, or not speaking to me afterwards ("how could you invite them?")

But, in the end, it will be my house and if they like me, will be civil to each other for my sake (I hope).

[mrph.livejournal.com]

Pretty much my attitude. Not inviting someone immediately moves you away from that neutrality, which Isn't Good. Better to invite everyone, and let them make their own decisions. If anyone perceives that as Choosing Sides and blames you then, frankly, it's their problem not yours. Not much consolation if that happens, I know, but...

The only real issue there is how to tactfully tell people who else has been invited. CC'ing an email to all of them seems to work, but most "er, you do know xyz is coming...?" approaches can sound like a deliberate attempt to discourage people (whereas not mentioning it can lead to problems on the day). Of course, it's entirely possible that both sides will then fail to turn up because the other one might be there... but, again, that's not your problem!