I lost a friend yesterday. Somehow, I doubt I am the only one. Opinions were stated, words - bluntly put and misunderstood - were written in a blog, feelings were hurt, and a friendship has been deeply wounded.

Fear of an obscure and unknown future has fueled passionate dialog regarding the presidential election. I did not vote for Barack Obama; my friend did. Unfortunately, I am more like the opinionated, arrogant American that I strive not to be than I care to admit. I shared my thoughts on the election on Facebook and MySpace, where my strong opinions then offended a dear friend of mine. In a separate e-mail, I apologized for hurting her, because politics, economic issues and race pale in comparison to her friendship.

I encourage any who have made the bold, stupid mistake I have to apologize to those you have hurt. For those who have been offended by someone who will not do the right thing and apologize, let me take this opportunity to apologize for them. Whether you were hurt by spiteful, intentional attacks or by someone like me, who chose the wrong words in the wrong forum, please forgive them, even if they don't ask for it.

Be the bigger person than we are. If those of us with strong opinions and equally strong personalities took a step back and thought before we spoke, fewer of you would be hurt in the first place.

MICHELE GILBERT

Pembroke