We live in a politically driven society, especially as of late. The 2020 election exposed how bipartisan America is right now. It’s gotten so divided that some have turned down dates with someone who affiliates with a different political party. While politics are definitely personal, that’s not to say different political beliefs should be enough to walk away from a potential suitor. So before cancelling half of your dates, here’s how to determine when you should and should not ignore party affiliation.
Things Get Too Heated, Too Quickly
Discussing politics can be exhausting, so more often than not, it’s easier to simply avoid it. That said, when dating someone new, and feeling out the type of person they are, politics can sometimes play into your conversations.
Pay attention to how the conversation goes. Don’t avoid it, but really listen to your date. Did things get heated and awkward really quickly? Were you able to share your views? If you disagreed on certain matters, how did they handle it? Were they respectful towards you and accepting of your viewpoints?
Believe it or not, your party doesn’t dictate the type of person you are, but your individual views can. So if you’re both able to have a calm, collected and adult conversation, despite opposing viewpoints, you’re in a good spot to keep going.
You Can’t Talk Openly and Honestly
There are times that political viewpoints will trickle into your everyday lives. Perhaps there was a story on the news that’s upsetting to you, or maybe your significant other got into a political argument at work and needs to vent about it. Whatever the reason, in a relationship, you need to be able to express your thoughts and feelings, openly.
You Disagree on Fundamental Issues
More often than not, individuals aren’t in agreement with every aspect of their political party. For instance, Republicans may like the idea of business autonomy, but aren’t necessarily opposed to stricter gun laws; on the other hand, Democrats may want stricter gun laws but aren’t necessarily opposed to more business autonomy.
There are many issues that, despite your political party affiliation, you and your significant other may actually agree on.
While disagreeing is okay on a lot of issues, when your fundamental beliefs are questioned by your partner, things can get complicated. So, determine what you are okay with, and hold yourself to those standards. There’s no shame in walking away if they aren’t the type of person you need them to be.
You House Resentment Towards Their Views (or Vice Versa)
Lastly, when it comes to political beliefs, it’s easy for conversations to get personal and heated. It’s so important that you and your significant other can talk through those issues and essentially agree to disagree.
When that step isn’t possible, your relationship might fall into a vulnerable position. You can start resenting your partner, which is problematic for a number of reasons. The moment “agreeing to disagree” turns into spite or anger towards the other individual, it’s time to walk away from the conversation.
Depending on your viewpoint, politics can be a very overwhelming and personal issue. Nevertheless, it’s human nature to not always agree with everyone around us, including individuals within our own parties. So before you shut down every individual of an opposing political party, make sure you give them a fair chance; it’s not always going to be a fit, but it would be a shame if you missed someone great because of pre-conceived notions.