So the weirdest thing is happening. #, who has never been one to express an opinion about something that someone else might feel strongly about, is suddenly sending me messages about politics and the environment.

So far, it isn't annoying, even though I generally avoid those topics to begin with. (With #, we can generally discuss a topic and even advocate for points of view that neither of us hold, without getting angry, but most people cannot discuss such topics peaceably, except with people who believe exactly the same as they do.)

Because he's always been so reluctant to speak up, I try to make sure to never appear to endorse any POV when communicating with him. He's still the conflict-avoiding twelve year old, except he's almost twenty years older.