My first ballot for U.S. President was cast in 1992. I was excited to enter the polling place for the first time. That particular political season and race was electric and dynamic too.

The 1992 election was also when I emerged as the family member with a different political and sometimes religious leaning than the rest of my relatives.

With that revelation, I further cemented my black sheep status.

Now in the last four years especially, I have found the majority of people entering my life and for whom I care about the most, are my opposite. My friend and coworker Lorraine is one of those people. I commented to her I seem to be constantly surrounded by people with such different views than mine. They also seem to be terribly OUTSPOKEN about their beliefs.

Her grinning response was, “Maybe you’re secretly that way. It’s meant to be.”

I don’t agree with her assertion.

In just the last three months, I began corresponding and sharing time with yet another outspoken person with different views than mine. And, like so many of my friends and family, Reid speaks with great vehemence about his beliefs and observations.

I made reference to some recent political intrigue by saying, “If it’s true, as a great defender of the Fourth Estate and a journalist, I will be greatly disturbed by any censuring or censoring of a person or group merely because of their views. That goes against the power of the First Amendment.”

“IF it’s true? If it’s true,” was the reply accompanied by raised eyebrows and a firm glare from green eyes.

I could take cues from my sister Renee’ who remains silent about what she thinks on controversial issues. I used to think she had no opinion at all. Then in 2008, she revealed her choice for the Barack Obama and John McCain race. I was shocked to learn that not only did she have a strong opinion, it was the same as the rest of the family. Renee’ had learned, however, several years ago to “play dumb.” She shuts down entirely when my father John or grandmother Dorothy begin talking about politics or religion. She would rather pretend she doesn’t even know the name of the vice-president than engage in a debate of any kind.

I’m way too proud and chatty for that method of avoidance.

Some of my hesitation and middle-of-the road tact comes from being a journalist dedicated to hearing all sides of a story. I’m also a careful observer of people and able to argue any issue for any side. My father told me I’d make a good lawyer because of that and, well, I’ve a contrary nature too. You say the sky is blue but I might tell you that it’s a bit more green than blue.

I’m also the person in my family and in other settings who tries to function as peacekeeper. Despite being spunky and a bit outspoken in many ways, I avoid confrontation like the plague. “Can’t we all just get along?” is often my mantra.

The irony with being the peace maker is that makes me even more on a black sheep.

But aren’t we all a little different than the others?