Politics is everywhere, its branches reach out into every aspect of our lives, and it is impossible to think your love life is an exception. As we get older, we feel the effects of politics more and more, from increasing taxes, to the benefits of free healthcare, to being grateful to live in a nation where free speech is welcomed and encouraged. In the privacy of our homes, ones that we share with loved ones, we are not immune to facing challenges or the hardships brought on by politics, and we should not face these alone. This is why it is crucial that your partner is somebody who holds the same political beliefs as you, who understands your frustrations, and is able to support you in tumultuous times.
On each side of the political spectrum are fundamental beliefs that define people’s core values. Somebody who is on the other end of the spectrum to you is unlikely to understand and be able to empathise with you, putting a barrier between the two of you and highlighting a key difference. Since the recent UK and US elections, there is a growing gap between the right and left wings, combined with the lowest voter turnout in the UK for 20+ years, it seems to be becoming more and more impossible to find a partner who shares the same political views as you, if any views at all.
That isn’t to say people are unable to move past beliefs in order to sympathise and empathise with others, particularly loved ones. People who have deliberated and changed their political affiliation throughout their lives have seen the benefits certain parties and views have to offer. This ensures a level of adaptability and acceptance, vital when in a relationship. However, it is simply just easier when your frustrations and feelings are automatically recognised, understood and reiterated, when you share the fears or the joys and face the consequences hand in hand in understanding.
For some on dating apps, a profile claiming to be apolitical can be just as much of a turn off as someone who identifies with an opposing party. Understandably, people may not feel that there is a political actor who they identify with and support, so they instead choose to remain neutral and/or not vote. However, this means that they still hold certain values and beliefs in high regard, so they shouldn’t be dismissed as a potential lover – especially if their views somewhat align with yours. Those who are actually disinterested and do not care for politics would struggle to be in a relationship with someone who holds clear political beliefs, as being able to engage in a healthy debate, questioning or reaffirming political beliefs is a benefit of a relationship where the individuals are politically associated and openminded.
For the broad-minded among us, a relationship consisting of two differing political beliefs would be embraced, however, political alignment would be the ideal.
Words by Molly James