Political hot potato question
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Political hot potato question
| Mon, 10-24-2005 - 10:49am |
Would you date someone of a different political persuasion? I've been talking on the phone with someone from the "other" side, and while I generally can respect those opinions, he made a couple of statements that I found not just political, but offensive. I'm not trying to get into a taking sides discussion, but just curious how often does your politics influence your dating? Can you agree to disagree?

a women's right to choose;etc. We were on the same page. I would advise you to discuss with him what you found offensive and if he's not willing to tone it down, move on because he may be narrow minded and not willing to agree to disagree.
I have dated all over the political spectrum, and haven't found it to be a problem. Differing views make for great conversation!
I DO have a problem with people (in general, not just men) who can't even be bothered to vote, and won't date anyone who doesn't even take that much interest in their civic responsibilities.
There are some issues that I couldn't see having a long term relationship with someone who was adamantly on the other side of the fence.
And someone who buys the party platform hook, line and sinker - ummmm...can you think for yourself just a little bit?
The question is can you discuss your differing views with respect?
I'm not into politics at all.
I will only date someone that can respect other peoples opinions. I have a friend that is about as left as you can get while I am more middle of the road, almost libertarian. She cannot have a civilized conversation about politics without raising her voice, or calling the candidate names.
So if it were someone like her, no I couldn't. But if it's someone who feels strongly about their opinion but can agree to disagree and feels everyone has a right to vote for whom they want I'm okay with dating someone that isn't in my political arena. Although I don't really have one I'm an independent.
If he's a bully or a jackass about it then I'd consider taking a pass on him, as that could be a red flag when it comes how he handles other disagreements.
Whilst I may not outright want to believe I will not date a person of a different political persuasion
Holding a different view will have the net effect of making the person alltogether not attractive to me.
I am centrist and have a deep and innate suspicion of leftists and their populist pontifications and feel very uneasy with far rightleanings.
Moreover since my values and political orientation have a somewhat symbiotic relationship I doubt I can fully divorce my political bias from my romantic/emotional affinity.
Political persuasions would not influence me at all as long as both of us can discuss the differences intelligently, clearly, and without name calling or insults thrown at the other side.
I once was exchanging emails with a guy from Match, where my profile states that I am "Middle of the Road". He made an unnecassary remark about Condoleeza Rice and I responded with a smile and a lighthearted joke/comment about him being a little bit hard on her.
His response (four days or so later) was a LONG, run-on, 6 or 7 inch email RANTING to me about how he grew up poor and eating government cheese and he didn't allow himself to associate with ANYONE that may be considered even slightly Republican! He slammed me personally, making assumptions about my beliefs, politics, background...and he went on and on and on about his hatred of all things Republican or Bush-related. I was absolutely floored at the venom in his email.
I responded briefly with the claim that I would never exclude anyone from my life because they held different beliefs than I did and that I would look forward to opposing views being an opportunity to either educate myself on another opinion or strengthen my core beliefs (unlike him). Told him his narrow views were his loss and wished him good luck.