Not sure if this is the right community to post this, but I’ll give it a shot.
One of my very good friends is planning on going into the Navy in about a year. He’s generally a moderate left leaning kinda guy, but is trans. He comes from a navy family which is part of the reason he decided to go in the first place. He’s going into mechanics and stuff and not combat which is slightly better I guess, but it’s very concerning to me that he’s planning on joining especially because he’s trans. I also feel that ethically, actively participating in that system is bad.
How can I dissuade him from joining? I don’t wanna go full force argument mode because it’s ultimately his choice but I would like advice on how to softly nudge him away from it without affecting our friendship negatively. Thanks.
You could share this, and also express your concern for his well-being and love for him as your friend, but I agree with the others that you can’t steer someone’s choices.
I had a friend join the Canadian military recently, and while I disapprove of his choice, I can’t control it.
I’m a recovered addict/alcoholic, and while I have a general dislike of groups like AA or NA, there’s a saying that’s stuck with me: “Didn’t cause it, can’t control it, can’t cure it.”
It’s up to you if you choose to stick by him. Personally, I would still want to love and support him.