Politics of Love
Falling in love with your sworn political enemy
When it comes to politics and love, if you feel really strongly about your political views, you shouldn’t waste your time dating outside of your political party. You’re only asking for trouble.
Healthy debates can quickly devolve into personal attacks and do some serious damage to your relationship. It’s hard to avoid especially when many of the hot button political issues hit close to home.
But let’s say you’re a staunch republican, and you fall madly in love with a hardcore democrat. Obviously you didn’t take my advice…
Can you make your relationship work in spite of your wildly different political views? And how can you deal with the inevitable rising tensions as election day fast approaches?
If you and your significant other have opposing political viewpoints you’re going to face challenges in your relationship. Especially if you’re both passionate about those viewpoints. It’s not easy to manage but it’s not impossible. Here are a few things you can do.
Don’t take it personally
Political discussions about your viewpoints shouldn’t be anything more than a discussion. You can’t possibly agree on everything and I’m sure there are plenty of times when you simply have to agree to disagree. You may have to take this approach with politics.
Focus on what you have in common
Despite the fact that you’re looking at each other across the political aisle, there are probably some issues where you both agree. When things start getting heated, try to focus on common ground.
Don’t talk about it
If you know that political debates quickly devolve into personal attacks and nasty arguments, stop talking about politics. Simply not discussing politics is an option you can exercise as often as you like, especially if you want to preserve your relationship.
Remember why you fell in love in the first place
It’s kind of a package deal and it’s unlikely that you’re going to love everything about your partner. When things get difficult try to remember all the things you love about your partner. There’s a reason you fell in love with them in the first place.
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