A House Divided

Love can conquer anything, right? ...even opposing political views? They say friendship, respect, and loyalty are the foundations to a great relationship, but I think that having a lasting relationship requires a little bit more. It requires open communication and a desire to grow and live your lives as one. So can two people, who genuinely love each other, make their relationship last forever if their politics clash? 

I've always been told there are a few things to not discuss at parties: religion and politics. I am not one to preach or push my beliefs onto anyone, but for the sake of this, I am going to have to talk....the "P" word. Politics! I am a liberal person at heart and my love is a little more conservative. He's a little bit country, I'm a little bit rock 'n' roll. Politics highlight fundamental similarities and differences in value and character, and how these issues are broached can either make or break a relationship. So when is it important to break out the politics talk?

With election season kicking into high gear, hot button issues like gay rights, war, and the economy are forcing my boyfriend and I to talk about sensitive issues that (a) don't normally get brought up, or (b) we are too scared to bring up. We may have opposing views on a lot of things, but there are a few core issues that we can agree upon. For the rest...I don't expect him to change, and he doesn't expect me to either, but keeping an open mind and an open heart prevents politics from ruining our relationship. 

So when is the right time to have "the talk"? Well, that all depends on how well you know yourself, and how politics fits into your life. The more important it is to you, the more you will need a partner who is on the same page, or at the very least, open minded. You may enjoy the fiery spark of a debate, but that can get a little tiresome if it's a constant at the dinner table. 

What you believe in and how deeply you believe in it defines you as a person. And if the person you love doesn't share those values with you, at least make sure he or she is open minded, and keep in mind political arguments can be the best foreplay there is.