Omnis, she doesn't sound like long term relationship material, but I still say kiss the girl. Snogging is good.

Thoughts of peace and strength to George's loved ones.

Opinions sometimes change with experience, but ethics are not a place I can compromise.

This. Also, that is a lot of flags there o_a. DH and I had massively different opinions on a number of subjects when we met. But we both had open minds and a joy of debate. Over time (22 years!) we have come to the same conclusions on most social and political issues. I keep trying to come up with possible encouraging words that she may not be a hopeless neocon sheep, but I'm failing. If you enjoy her company, enjoy the friendship. But pass on the snogging.

Also, I agree that Carlin is genius, but I can't enjoy much of his work because of the language issue.

How old is she/how long has she been out of college? Because I did some *seriously* stupid shit in college that I'm not proud of now, and if that disqualified me as a potential long-term partner, I'd be living in a cave right now.

The age question is important. Our opinions are more likely to parrot our parents and immediate circle when we are younger. My boys are pinko progressive liberal Obama lovers because of my influence. I expect that they will form their own opinions in time. In fact I already see it starting.

The big issue for me would be how open she is to you holding different opinions. Intelligent debate can be lots of fun, but it can be tough to keep it polite and respectful.

The cheating thing is an integrity issue, and that's either there or not.

::sits with Vortex and the others on this bench::

Because it deserves its own post:

Much ~ma to your cousin's family, Cindy.

Envy me, puny mortals - for my breakfast is a package of instant oatmeal mixed with blueberry-strawberry compote, topped with slivered almonds. And I'm not sharing - mostly because we're out of slivered almonds.

Because I did some *seriously* stupid shit in college that I'm not proud of now, and if that disqualified me as a potential long-term partner, I'd be living in a cave right now.

I could be wrong, but my impression from Omnis' post was that she WAS proud of it, which to me is a much bigger flag than her having done it in the first place.

Also, {{Cindy}}.

I could be wrong, but my impression from Omnis' post was that she WAS proud of it

I didn't get that from what he said, but I was also uncaffeinated when I read it.

Anyway, I have no dog in this hunt, but I have to say, I've done *seriously* inappropriate shit that might lead people (apparently many Buffistas) to consider I lack ethics and integrity. Extrapolating from that, some might think that my past behavior means that I'll cheat on my current partner.

Which is why I say, thank goodness for second chances and having a partner who actually believes that I hold myself to a higher standard now.

It is likely that many of us would rather not be judged on the folly of youth. I have done seriously inappropriate things and believe I have learned from past mistakes.