I’ve been friends with this girl Sammy since kindergarten. Our friendship blossomed over Chips Ahoy cookies, Domino’s Pizza and TRL re-run marathon sessions. We continued our friendship all the way through high school. However, despite our similarities when we were younger, we grew up to be completely different in all the essential ways. She’s never been drunk (except that one time in 7th grade when I stole her a beer from my Dad’s fridge – sorry Pops!), doesn’t understand why I like to date boys with dreadlocks and she wholeheartedly supports George W. Bush. Yes, that’s right. I grew up in an extremely left-wing household, and the idea that I could even converse with a conservative, let alone be good friends with one, completely baffles my parents. And quite frankly, I’m a little confused by it, myself.

However, a recent study conducted by scientists at UCLA and New York University showed that liberals and conservatives think differently because our brains actually work differently, and not just when it comes to politics.
According to the LA Times, “Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments whereas liberals are more open to new experiences. The latest study found those traits are not confined to political situations but also influence everyday decisions.”

So next time you find yourself feuding with your way-too-liberal room mate about her laundry swallowing your living room while she complains about your incessant need to alphabetize your DVD collection, you can blame it on your difference in brain chemistry.