SEATTLE - Politics can be a touchy subject in a lot of settings. No matter if you are more of a leaning Republican or if you side with a more progressive and inclusive outlook like Democrats, talking politics with family, friends and even with your romantic partner can come with serious consequences.
As the November 5 elections approach, its becoming harder for politics to not be a topic of conversation at dinner tables or social gatherings. That is why a recent survey conducted by Oddspedia asked 5,000 Americans about the connections of their political views and how those affect their relationships.
In the survey, Oddspedia found that tree-quarters of respondents believe politics is a topic best avoided on a first date. People that participated in the survey say that mixing dating and politics is considered a "no-no" for most. It does not only apply in the romantic scene, but also at the family level, as about 25% of respondents said they avoid family gatherings due to conflicts over politics.
In order to maintain harmony within the family, two-thirds of Americans say they have concealed their political beliefs as a way to avoid any major arguments with their loved ones. This number is even higher among Gen Zers and non-binary individuals, while independent voters are particularly likely to avoid expressing their political views to their families.
In other key findings, the survey revealed that seven in 10 Americans believe that voting and being politically informed make a person more intelligent. But being politically informed can also be problematic, as not everyone shares the same views.
Over half of the people surveyed said that they are unwilling to pursue a relationship with someone who has significantly different political views, with one in six having ended —or considered ending— a romantic relationship due to political incompatibility.
How do Democrats and Republicans fare talking politics?
According to the data from Oddspedia, Democrats are more likely to have political conversations on a first date.
Although talking politics on a first date can be considered a dangerous game, many respondents say they lean in and see the topic as a potential spark. Nearly one in five respondents considered a protest or political rally a great place to meet a romantic partner. This increases to a quarter among those who identify as non-binary.
Dating in the 21st Century
Dating apps have become hugely successful among younger generations. But not only are people taking their time selecting their best photos for their profile, they are also focusing on making sure their political views are visible for any potential matches.
According to the survey's results, Democrats are more likely to use a political background filter than Republicans, with nearly two-thirds indicating they would use such filters.
Respondents also said that lying about their political beliefs is a common practice on dating apps. Three in every 100 admitted to lying about their views to impress a date. This was more common among Gen Z respondents (five in every hundred) and among mend (four in every 100).
How men and women see relationships and politics
Even if you decide to distance yourself from talking politics, the survey says that this can backfire if you are trying to build a connection with someone.
Over a third of respondents said that "apoliticism," the lack of interest in political matters, can be a deal breaker. This number was higher among women (over two-fifths) than in men (under a third).
But according to the survey, men are more likely to view politically informed dates or partners negatively, while women tend to see them in a more positive light. The survey says that among all generations, Gen Zers are most likely to find a partner's voting record appealing in terms of their sexiness, intelligence, compassion, and tolerance.
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