Dating Across Political Lines: 4 Tips To Make It Work

It isn't easy to date someone with different politics than your own, but it can be done! Here's how.

By YourTango — Written on Sep 17, 2012

Dating Across Political Lines: 4 Tips To Make It Work [EXPERT]

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 very close to home.

But, let's say you're a staunch republican, and you fall madly in love with a hardcore democrat — 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? 4 Irritating Questions You Should Never Ask A Guy

If you and your significant other have opposing political viewpoints, you are going to face challenges in you relationship — especially if you're both very passionate about those viewpoints. It's certainly not easy to manage, but it's not impossible either. Here are a couple of things you can do.

1. 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. 2 Important 'Get-The-Guy' Lessons Nice Women Should Learn From Mean Women

2. 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.

3. Don't talk about it. If you know that political debates with your significant other 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.

4. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. It's kind of a package deal and it's unlikely that you are going to love everything about your partner. When things get difficult (and at some point they always do), try to remember all things you love about your partner. There's a reason you fell in love with them in the first place. 5 Tips To Survive Football Season As A Couple