To wonder if you could be with someone who has different political beliefs to you?

[MyPithyTurtle]

I’m talking about things like Labour vs. Conservative, or vice versa. Obviously, I know people have different views, but could you be in a relationship where your political opinions are at opposite ends of the spectrum? Would it cause too much tension, or is it possible to have a healthy relationship despite the differences? What do you think?

I couldn’t abide anyone who thought trans women were actual women. That’s non starter for me.

Not sure what the AIBU is but as a general rule it’s good to foster relationships with people who have different opinions to you. If you avoid listening to alternative perspectives or think that anyone who voted for a candidate you don’t like is a mindless fool then you and society as a whole are in Big Trouble.

A different opinion from a different political perspective which is nonetheless grounded in a fair and fact based understanding of reality? No problem.

A partner with a faith based or cynical belief system that jettisons reality in favour of a radical or distorted reflection of reality - wild conspiracy theorists or gender woo advocates for example - no fucking way.

Intelligent, well balanced people will be able to express alternative views in a rational, well researched and thought out way. Those with closed minds, limited experience of other view points, badly chosen news/political outlets would be very hard work to enjoy a relationship with. Beware the bigot, the misogynist, the conspiracy theorist, the down right thick……..😁

DH and I always vote differently. We've been together for years and found that discussions about (British) politics never goes anywhere, so now we don't generally discuss it. We do have the one exception, which is on the way to and from voting. We respect that we have differing beliefs. I would struggle to be with someone who didn't vote, rather than someone who votes differently to me

Yes, I forgot to add the religious fanatic, of any denomination.

I couldn't have been when I was younger, but now? As long as they didn't talk constantly about politics.

Well I spent twenty years and had a baby with a Tory, despite being a lifelong Labour voter and all my family being lefties so...!

Really extreme views though I couldn't do of course - racists, homophobes or Trans activists for example.

Ever heard of
"Agree to disagree"
It's a thing mature adults do.

I can be friends with people with different political views but prefer a partner with similar values.

I would really struggle to be romantically involved and build a life/family with someone who votes Tory. I can be friends with Conservatives, but I think it’s different if this is going to be your partner. Politics and my values are too interlinked.

Hard no to the religious.

DP and I are broadly on the same page but did vote differently in the last general election, I was prepared to hold my nose and vote in one direction, he wasn't, but knew his vote wouldn't get in, he just couldn't do it. As we discussed it I had no real problem with that. I couldn't live with someone whose total views were diametrically opposed to mine though.

Not opposite ends of the spectrum, but different opinions on certain issues hasn’t been a problem for DH and I.

We agree on certain core issues and then differ on how to approach others. We talk about it and agree to disagree,

I actually don't think I would want to raise children with someone whose values I didn't share.

I do have many close friends with very different political views though. We can happily co-exist in an agree to disagree way.

My husband I voted differentl, but agree on alot of things. Never argued, but have lots of debates. We did vote the same this time, which is new!

DP never votes and whilst I think it's ridiculous for an adult to have no say in the country they live in, it's his choice and his values align with mine. Mostly. There are big things that we disagree on politically but if we agreed on everything, what would we talk about?! I prefer to spend time with people that have opposing views. Where's the fun and lessons in an echo chamber?

Within reason, yes of course.

But I couldn't respect someone with views I think as cruel or regressive.

The different parties tend to agree on wanting less poverty and a better way of life, but disagree on how to achieve it. So there’s no reason to avoid people with different politics. It saddens me people think there is. It smacks of being a victim of brainwashing.

Personally my politics has changed over the years.
To stay the same would suggest I hadn’t learned anything new from experience.

No, definitely not. We were both very politically active in our younger years (left wing) although only met when we were much older and happened to live in the same area.

Whilst I have several very right wing friends whose company I enjoy, I could never be romantically involved with someone who admires politicians like Thatcher or her disastrous policies. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Completely agree with this tbh. In situations where's there's a clear right and wrong rather than just a difference of opinion, I don't think it would be possible to stay with a partner on the opposite side.

I could as long as they weren't racist. Or snooty.

Absolutely fine to have friends with different views and can be respectful of that. I wouldn't want to be in a relationship with someone with fundamentally different view though.

Depends whether we disagree on whether sixteen year olds should have the vote, say, or something fundamental to human decency. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism - deal breakers.