Would you stop dating someone because of their political party affiliation?

Question

I stopped dating a guy a couple of years ago that was very handsome, kind, considerate, and a very successful business man. On our third date, over dinner, he confessed to me that he was a Republican.

I know I should have known, but I just couldn't see him anymore after that.

Do you think this political thing can just go too far? I mean my own parents were mixed politicly.......oh bad example, they fought constantly.

Do you think I am just TOO Democrat?

Answer 1

Hello There!

You certainly did the right thing. If you and another person are not in harmony regarding Politcs, there are way too many other areas where you will also find disagreement. These areas will make it difficult to raise children together, to invest, to save and how and where to live! And let's not even talk about the rights of women and their position in the family!

Political attitudes and affliations today, mean way more than just who you vote for!

Answer 2

Interesting question--are you TOO Democrat? I think the answer might be yes, but I would change the question: does politics play a big role in yout life? If it's something you talk and think about a lot, if you're active politically and involved in causes that you believe in, then I think you and this guy would be incompatible for many reasons such as the ones others have mentioned, and to continue the relationship would be asking for strife.

Some people, however, are not political junkies--they hardly ever think about politics unless it's a presidential election and even then it's not a big part of their lives. In that case, it may not be a problem to have different political views.

I think I'm worse than you are. I live and work in a predominantly Democratic and liberal part of the country, but if I find out someone I work with is Republican (they're rare), I start to avoid them! I just don't want to get into arguments with people and I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. This one guy came into my office and started going on about how great Bush was, and at first, I mildly stated my disagreements. But he kept pushing it, so finally I said, "Well, if you had said that to me during the last election, I would've run over you with my car." Funny--he never was friendly to me after that for some reason. :)

Answer 3

I don't even know the party affiliation of some that I have dated and just because I am registered with one party does not mean that I agree with them on every thing nor would I expect that someone that I was seeing would be so programmed as to not be able to think for them-self and have opinions that at times did not agree with party policy. There as a legislative couple in DC for a while that one was a D and one was an R. They shared many similar values such as community service, view on importance of family, respect of country etc. but accepted that they had differences on some issues and how to best deal with them.

Answer 4

Yes, I would unless their beliefs were moderate. My wife and I did the marriage encounter experience a couple years ago (a program to make good marriages better). We were the only couple who thought our partner's political beliefs mattered. In my marriage, we were friends first; lovers later. Of the qualities that make a marriage last, communication is the most important. My parents were of different political beliefs (actively, too) and election time dinners were not pleasant. So, no, you're not TOO Democrat (or TOO Republican for that matter). If you don't have compatible political beliefs, it will be reflected in a myriad of other discussions. I THINK I would stop dating someone because of politics. I have been married 30 years, so that's speculation. but each of our political beliefs did matter to the other when we got together. Finally--you mentioned your parents; I mentioned mine--I can think of several other couples I know who have political fights. I think it indicates the strong potential for general incompatiblity.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you feel. Bush supporters are just unacceptable.

I would never date a republican. I don't think politics is going too far when it comes to finding a person to share your time with. Maybe you are too democrat, and so am I.

I have stopped speaking to men because they were conservative, but I don't think they were nice to begin with. I always found out the hard way, like during a conversation about how "those liberals" want everything free, etc. etc.

I think that if he is as nice as you say he is, find out why he's republican, if he's moderate, and what he thinks about policies and programs that you care about. He may not be as far right as you think.

Answer 6

This would be easier to answer if you said you've been dating for a long time and were in love with him, because then I would have to say that it really shouldn't matter if you love someone. But, since it had just been a few dates, I would have done the same thing. My thought is, "Why look for conflict"?

Answer 7

My wife and I have been married for 35 years with different political points of view. We just don't discuss it and cancel each others vote.

Answer 8

For Politics?
For some reasons that are compleately incompatable, sure,
You know ... age, religion, zodiac signs, football teams, favorite ice cream flavor ... but politics?

What does he think about your oddity though? If he can put up with you, maybe, just maybe, you can overlook his banana and mocha double ice cream cones - er, Republicarianism

Answer 9

I feel the same way. If I found out that any woman I was dating was a diehard (and unswingable) Republican, I'd have to say "hasta luego."

Answer 10

No, your convictions are important, that is just as appealing as any other characteristic.