DEAR ABBY: I have a group of friends I’ve known for 40 years. As time has passed, we have grown apart politically. This wasn’t a problem until recently. Whenever we get together now, they shout at me about my political choices. At first, I tried to defend my position, but I was shouted down. Then I explained that I didn’t want to talk politics, that I respect their right to have a different opinion and to please respect mine. That works only temporarily. The next time we meet, it’s the same. It’s like they think if they all talk at once, they can convince me. They can’t, and I have no desire to convince them.