Politics is a hot-button issue about which many people have a lot of strong opinions. This is partly why niche dating has become so popular and what makes shared values very important. But dating someone who shares the same views doesn’t guarantee a romance is capable of crossing the finish line; there are several things to keep in mind when treading these tricky waters, including the following:
Start by Knowing Where You Stand
Before you can know whether your values jibe with a potential partner, you must know where you stand. Being pro-choice, pro-life, or someone who sees nuance in the issue, for example, is something only you can decide. Figure out your foundation first before trying to meld with someone else’s.
Communicate Your Feelings
You might have a good idea of where someone stands politically, but the only way to know is to ask them. This is tricky, as politics isn’t necessarily the best first-date fodder. Still, discussing critical issues sooner rather than later is an excellent way to determine whether your partner has future potential or if things should end with an awkward goodbye after the server brings the check.
Foster Trust
Sharing your values with another, especially when those values are near and dear to your heart, is a vulnerable position that requires trust (and digital-age dating might help by allowing you to express yourself online rather than face to face). One of the most important ways to build confidence around values is to empathize with your potential partner even if their values don’t completely align with yours (as might happen, for instance, when one partner is fully pro-choice and the other believes in limits). Not judging each other for a deviation in your ethics fosters honesty, transparency, and intimacy and allows you to explore your true feelings.
Recognize that Feelings Do Change
You might feel so strongly about an issue that your feelings changing is as likely as a pig sprouting wings and flying, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, people’s opinions change as they age or have specific experiences. Even if your stance stays steadfast, your partner’s might change, so it’s important to recognize this.
Get Personal
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about dating and politics is how someone feels personally. Being pro-choice on a social/political level but pro-life personally, as may be the case with certain people, can undoubtedly affect any partnership where an unplanned pregnancy might be a factor. So, it’s best to have this discussion upfront before things get hairy.
Opposites tend to attract in certain areas, yet values are not typically one of them. This makes a progressive dating site your wingman! Dating someone who shares your opinion on vital political issues doesn’t guarantee a direct path to happily ever after, but it makes the journey less rocky.
TruuBlue is an AI-powered dating app for socially progressive singles. Its focus on issues ranging from pro-choice, climate change, and gun control to immigration laws and LGBTQ protections empowers people to find partners with shared values and passions.
