How To Discuss Politics With Your Partner
Start writing a post
Swoon

11 Tips For Productively Discussing Politics With Your S.O.

I get it, it's not easy.

16456
11 Tips For Productively Discussing Politics With Your S.O.
Maxim Lugovnin on Unsplash

OK, I know what you're thinking: Talking politics is never easy, and to be honest, it can be super uncomfortable. It's so important, though, to have these conversations because you never know where your significant other stands on various issues unless you pursue those conversations.

Never fear, though! I'm here to walk you through the important details of having these conversations. You'll be a pro by the end of this!

1. Have the conversation early

OK, I know this may be counterintuitive to everything you ever learned growing up, but trust me, nothing is worse than getting months and even years into a relationship not knowing that you disagree on something that may be a deal breaker for one of you!

2. Actually listen

When you're having these conversations, don't listen to respond... listen to hear. Even if you disagree, you need to listen so that the conversation remains civil and doesn't get heated.

3. Don't turn it into an argument

Remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Make sure this doesn't turn into an argument, keep it civil, folks.

4. Know your dealbreakers

I get it, when you're in love or really care about someone, you'll want to make compromises. Compromising is one thing, but don't lose who you are in the process. That's never OK. If you're losing who you are in the process of talking politics, he's not the one, sis!

5. Agree to disagree on the "little things"

Don't let the relationship tank over issues that you can live with long-term. Meaning, if your SO's views on a certain issue differ from yours but don't impact your day to day relationship in a negative way, let it go! No one will ever agree with you perfectly 100 percent of the time!

6. Don't resort to name-calling

If the conversation does get heated, don't resort to name calling or using other derogatory terms you'll regret later.

7. Walking away is OK

If you need to walk away, that's OK! Take a few minutes to gather yourself before going back to the conversation.

8. Showing your emotions is OK

If it hurts you that your SO doesn't find an issue to be important that is important to you or totally differs from you on something, it's OK to show emotion, especially if you really love them and it's a deal breaker!

9. Talk about all of the issues

Don't just assume because you identify as a part of the same political party that you are good to go. Not all Republicans think the same, and not all Democrats think the same. And, of course, there is everyone in between too... as well as third-party identifiers!

10. Think about the future

When talking about politics, think about the future too. If you differ too much on your political views, it may impact the way you wish to raise a family or live your adult life. That could cause so much conflict down the road.

11. Be open

With all of that being said, be open. Just because you don't see eye to eye, doesn't mean you can't be in a completely healthy and happy relationship! Don't lose yourself, but hey, opposites attract, right?

Follow Swoon on Instagram.

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58397
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37620
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959226
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193565
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments