A change can be good ... it’s got my vote
THERESA MAY’s exciting announcement about a snap General Election set me thinking about change — or rather, how we can continue changing throughout our lives.
Many letters to this page have terror of change at their heart, and I understand that. I tend to like the status quo, preferring traditions I know to ‘progressive’ ideas that I mistrust.
Not that I was always like that. Politically I see myself as a maverick, since I was a member of the Labour Party (once so beloved) for years, then voted Lib Dem in Bath because I so admired the MP, Don Foster.
Now I’m outside Bath (and Foster is in the House of Lords anyway), I vote Conservative but see myself as never having moved far from the centre line: one step to the Left before, and one step to the Right now.
Politics is just one small aspect of life. I’ve moved from Christianity, to atheism, to agnosticism and now back to my own form of Christianity, firmly centred on the message of Jesus and not the existence of God.
I’ve moved from hating dogs to adoring the creatures. Born and brought up in the city, I once detested the countryside (all that silence and trees) but now could live nowhere else.
Wildlife held no interest for me, but now I’m more excited at the thought of seeing an otter than of attending the smart parties I used to love.
I used to prefer art films to TV; now you can keep your Bertolucci because I’d rather watch Broadchurch.
Do you see what I mean? I feel sad when people say: ‘I could NEVER vote Tory’, or others shake a bigoted head and say: ‘I can’t stand multiculturalism.’
In both cases I’d ask: ‘Why?’ and seek a reasoned answer. Shouldn’t we all be thinking afresh each and every day?
A woman who proclaims: ‘I only like tall men’ might be turning away from the love of her life, who happens to be three inches shorter.
You never step in the same river twice, so be prepared to do the unexpected.
Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.