10+ Ways to Avoid Losing Your Lebanese Friends During the Revolution

The concept of this listicle was inspired by Farid Hobeiche of the Farixtube's vlog on Instagram, proposing three points to adopt. We decided to take this more in-depth, considering its importance. Friends are precious, they matter, whether they concur with our ideologies and stances or not. This revolution is about building a better Lebanon for all, including our friends. So, I asked our team members at The961 what they have been doing in that context and we came up with this list of 12 ways to avoid losing your friends during this revolution:

#1. Set the status of your WhatsApp Group to: No Politics

Via The961

According to Farid Hobeich (Farixtube), you might want to set the status of all your generic groups to "No Politics" and adopt the rule of one-warning-only, after which you take the person out of the group. Ideally, you should create your own "Revolution" WhatsApp Group.

#2 Select neutral grounds for your social outings

@peopleatnight embedded via

Also proposed by Hobeiche via his vlog, select neutral sites for your gatherings where there are no protests so no one feels targetted. It is also wise so you don't get to discuss the protests and open the pandora box, which could damage your relationship(s).

#3 Set topics' rule for your gatherings

@tfbchamat embedded via

While it is almost impossible not to talk about the ongoing events, consider that these outings are your break times and you need to enjoy them as much. From the moment you and your friends plan to go out, set the rule of "no-politics" and "no-revolution" topics. Whatever side you are, take a break and enjoy your time and friends.

#4 The Revolution is for all but it's not personal

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Yes, it sounds debatable but here is the thing: Charging on your friend (as a person) for his or her stance or opinion will hurt him or her. That becomes personal and is felt like a personal attack on his or her person as an individual.

There is no "You" and no "I" when criticizing politics, including the revolution these days, unless your friend is a politician and responsible for the mess or the crises. There is "We" and there is "our Lebanon."

You neither should be taking these conversations personally. We are coming out of the divisiveness that has existed for so long, many have succeeded and are out and free, and some are still hanging onto that which caused it and could be feeling insecure to let it go. Give them time.

#5 Be considerate on social media

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I guess this is the most challenging, especially if it's the Instagram platform you are most active in. Voice out your opinion without attacking or disrespecting your friends and/or their political affiliations. I believe we can all do that. Again, this is about all the nation, all the country, and not just a particular leader.

#6 Hide your Instagram story from opposed friends

Via Andrew Waatz

We do want to mention this because some individuals have stepped out of their box to decide on their own whether this revolution is what they want or not for their future.

So, if you are one of them, and your network is mostly opposed, or just one or few friends are, you would do better hiding your Instagram stories from them; that if you really care about them.

#7 Abstain from contact when your emotions are leading