On several boards I participate on, someone says that they were talking, or having dinner, or shopping, or somesuch with a "liberal friend."  I really don't think I could have a liberal friend, a true lefty.  I wouldn't want to spend precious free time with someone who made me angry and uncomfortable.  So, I never get this.  Am I just a misanthrope?  Narrow-minded and mean in some way?  I have a bobolink sort of BIL but we don't get involved with him.  I'd rather spend time with my SIL who says "Obama is the scourge of the Earth."  
Am I missing out on great times or something?  What's with these "liberal friends?"