Political Ties...

[jennaflower]

Politics are everywhere... with the pending election and all... it got me to thinking


Could you become involved with someone who did not share your personal political beliefs? If not, what about if you realize this after the relationship has already begun.. would it be reason to end it?

Do you consider yourself a very politically aware person?

[Lilith]

Since the values that I find important in a mate are directly related to the issues I find crucial in a political party, it would be unlikely I would want to build a life with someone who had a different point of view on those issues. There are issues I would not be able to compromise on or to understand a mate feeling differently about.

I am politically aware but more so about issues than about specific candidates. I also don't feel comfortable speaking about politics with just anyone because I find my viewpoints to be personal. I also think there is a time and place for everything. It's important to respect people's rights to not be subjected to my politics or political views. I am much more likely to have a quiet personal discussion with someone about politics than to discuss it in a large group. Some one I adore once said to me that he does not discuss politics because in general he could never truly speak about politics from a knowledgable standpoint because he is not directly involved or in the know.

[Irish]

I agree with,just about,everything,that Lilith said!I have been married, to the same woman ,for ALMOST 39yrs.If we didn't,have
the same,basic,values,I doubt that we would still be together.I
think that MOST relationships,don't last,because it's easier to call
it quits,then to make things work.Respect for each other,means
alot!My wife & I,have been voting for,what we consider,the lesser
of two evils,for many years.It doesn't always work,but that's the way it is! Irish

[Vigil]

I had a great relationship with someone from the radical left when I was at college, but then we were young and defining ourselves. These days I would be suspicious of anyone who publicly labeled themselves at one end or the toher of the political spectrum, simply because the older we get the more we see that politics is usually about anything but ideals. Personal politics are a different matter, but I would have problems with anyone who is intolerant.

Yes it might be a reason to end it, probably because you end up not respecting that person - and yes I am politically aware.

[Grumble]

I have a political tie

it has John Howard is a bastard on it :D

[Catch22]

Originally posted by Grumble
I have a political tie

it has John Howard is a bastard on it :D


*Claps*

[Loulabelle]

I come from a fairly different background from the majority of my past boyfriends, which tends to lead towards a difference in voting habits (one of the most obvious being, that I bother to vote while they do not!). I have a strong set of core beliefs which would be described as right wing, and whilst I would not avoid a relationship with someone who was more of a lefty, I would have a problem if I was with someone whose political views conflicted with mine to the extent that we disagreed on the way in which to bring up our children etc.

In my relationships, I have always challenged the political views held by my other half, as often I've discovered that they vote for a certain party simply because their parents did, rather than because they upheld the political beliefs that that party stands for. I have also always tried to press the importance of using your vote and not being complacent, as I can't stand people who moan about the system, then don't try to change it, by putting their X in the box.

[jseal]

jennaflower,

Tolerance of the peculiarities of another is always difficult. That’s one of the values to elections – if society’s point of view changes on an issue, policies may be changed with the least amount of bloodshed, if not gnashing of teeth.

When the peculiarities of another are particular and immediate, as in the case of the political expressions of one with whom one shares one’s life, well, that can require a degree of tolerance that even the most civilized among us may on occasion lack.

[PantyFanatic]

Vigil pretty much said it for me. :cool:

[skipthisone]

I have dated and even married someone with completely different politcal beliefs, it just becomes a non-issue in the house...a topic to never be discussed...

Of course, since I kill all relationships with my poison, I guess it could have been a factor.

[Lilith]

Originally posted by skipthisone
I have dated and even married someone with completely different politcal beliefs, it just becomes a non-issue in the house...a topic to never be discussed...



That would be my worst fear... I don't want to live with someone to whom I can not discuss any and every,thing

[skipthisone]

Originally posted by Lilith
That would be my worst fear... I don't want to live with someone to whom I can not discuss any and every,thing

There is always going to be "something" that is very different with 99.9% of couples that there is "left/right" disagreement on.

[Lilith]

I agree!!! It's being unable to discuss it that I would have a problem with.

[Irish]

In my opinion,the thing that makes a lasting relationship,is having
mostly the same values.Over the years,you both change,but you still have the same,basic,sense of values.Otherwise,for better or worse,wouldn't be in the marriage vows.If you're not going to keep those vows,you shouldn't have taken them in the first place.
It helps detirmine,if someone is a "keeper" or a "catch & release!"
Irish
P.S.Just my $.02.

[GingerV]

I've only been involved with one guy I drastically disagreed with politically...usually it's just a matter of degree.

But in that case, oh MAN did we argue about politics. We're both bright, competitive, informed and opinionated...made us great fun at dinner parties. The trick was that we didn't disagree agree about basic right and wrong...just about how best to get there. We had a lot of faith that the other was basically a good person. And we never mistook our opinions for objective fact....we never demanded the other person admit they were wrong just because we were each sure we were right. And most importantly, we liked the intellectual challenge of the sparring.

The problem wasn't that we disagreed....the problem was that it was fricking exhausting, and I, at least, felt like I had to be always on my guard. After the first 6 months...I was a little relieved when we split up for other reasons (sudden job op. making us geographically incompatible).

Now, well....we don't agree about everything...but we do about most things. Except when he gets up on his Canadian high horse and spends more than 3 minutes solid griping about American stereotypes that aren't all that true. Then I start throwing pillows. ;)

G

[skipthisone]

geographically incompatible....now there is a PC name for living apart....LMAO

[lakritze]

Since I lean toward the left,it would be unthinkable to have a relationship with someone who could not agree at least in principle. I take the word politics to mean not only Republican/Democrat or Right/Left but how a person believes on social issues. Their culturial and religious views would have to be considered.Not so important with my friends,but if I'm choosing somebody to live with and have sex with,it becomes very important.