MIXING POLITICS AND DATING

MIXING POLITICS + DATING

and think about how I would feel about dating someI would lead with, “Hi, I’m Madison and I believe…” the ugly. With that comes learning about not only their necessarily for their political beliefs, their values are reflective enough of them.

In addition to this, basic human rights are not a political issue, but since there continues to be political debates surrounding them, the topic must be addressed. I simply would never date someone who Difference of opinion is bound to occur in any relationship. From disagreeing about whether The Office or Friends is a better T.V. show (it is obviously Friends), or on by Madison Thomas does not support the basic human rights of ALL individuals. There is no way for me to justify being interested in someone who has no compassion or empathy for others. what is the best ride at Disneyland, but a difference of While I would not date someone on the comopinion in politics is not as simple of an issue. plete opposite end of the political spectrum, I also At a very young age, I developed an interest in feels exactly the same way I do towards every single history and politics, and as I grew older that interest issue. In fact, agreeing all of the time about every only became greater. In history classes, I was always single topic would get rather boring. I have learned the first to shoot up my hand and give my opinion on so much by having civil and respectful conversations the topic being discussed. I was also known for being about politics with others. Even if I do not agree with one to debate with my teachers. As someone who feels them, I still find it extremely interesting to try to unstrongly about what I believe in, I have had to sit back derstand why they believe what they believe. one who did not necessarily believe in the same things I Every healthy relationship requires each did or had views in complete opposition to mine. partner to listen to one another. I do not mean simply I know many people are advised to not talk to and try to understand what the other person is sayabout politics or religion too soon into dating someone, ing. This is no difference when it comes to discussing or sometimes even at all. While I certainly don’t think politics.

when meeting someone on the first date, it is definite- While it can be easy to want to jump into a ly not a topic I would be able to avoid for very long. I conversation and explain why you’re right and why understand that not everyone is interested in politics, they are wrong, it is important to show your partner but in our current political climate, I think it is near respect and they should do the same for you. Several impossible for it to never come up. years ago I read a quote from Alicia Tweddle that has When dating someone, you typically want to as long as your opinion doesn’t disrespect anyone know all the parts about them; the good, the bad, and else’s existence.” political beliefs but their values as well. Dating can be hard. Discussing politics can

Sharing common values is essential to any long-lasting be hard. Putting the two together may seem like an relationship and for many of us, our political beliefs are impossible task, but always remember that you should due to values that we hold. Since sharing common val- never feel that you have to hide a piece of yourself ues is so critical, I would not be able to date someone and what you believe in in order to find someone. The whose values do not align with mine. So in this case, right person is out there and they will love and rewhile I wouldn’t be ending things with the other person spect you and everything you believe in! do not need to be in a relationship where my partner allow one another to speak, but actually, actively listen stuck with me ever since, “I will respect your opinion 30