Loving with Different Political Views
There has always been prominent tensions between political parties. Even more so in today’s more progressive society. Political parties tend to have very different approaches to social issues that can be found to affect the way we co-exist. This has been known to put a lot strain on our relationships with people like co-workers, families and friends. Granted, I can’t expect all of my tías and primos to be a part of my chosen political party. I’m also incapable of conceding with their political views when in my eyes these views can threaten humanity’s ability to co-exist humanly. In current social standards, this inability to concede is even putting a strain on romantic relationships. These standards also tell us you can’t be a liberal and love a conservative or vice versa. They go as far as breaking people up and making these relationships seem irrational.
Of course, I’m not saying to ignore or overlook certain aspects of a person’s oppressing beliefs. I would never compromise my beliefs or tolerate this kind of thinking for the sake of a relationship. But the reality of these kind of relationships where individuals have different political beliefs tend to be less extreme than most people think. Usually, it’s just the difference in vote that stands between them, not the extreme differences like racism and anti-feminist chaos that the media portrays. So, there is hope in finding a middle ground.
As a GenZ voter with a romantic partner that supports the republican party, I admit that I definitely feel the tension considering that I have very liberal, opposing views. Yes, his vote supports the current narcissistic President Donald J. Trump, but that doesn’t mean my partner represents the entirety of the arrogance of one political party. My very different vote doesn’t support these ideals either. Certainly, the differences between us can argue whether one of us is more ignorant than other, but how can I say that’s fair? Politics aside, when you’re in love, you’re heart is set. You don’t try to change someone you love. You accept them for who they are. When I insert politics into the mix, can I honestly say that making his opinion feel less than is justified just because I don’t agree? If I can say that two well educated and life experienced individuals who have regard for humanity and decency, but because they having opposing political beliefs, a respectful relationship is impossible?
Naturally, as an educated individual myself, these types of differences make me question my partner’s social standpoints and ethical judgement. I could also say it’s the same thought process for my partner. He thinks his beliefs are ethically correct and he’s not hurting or oppressing anybody. I think mine are correct and I’m not trying to oppress anyone either. So, is it possible to make a relationship like this work? The answer is yes only if both individuals are willing to take part in something called respect. Respect considers elements like listening, willingness to learn, understanding one another and awareness of temperament. It doesn’t always have to lead to a break-up or even divorce. It’s important to remember God’s golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Again, I admit, it’s definitely not easy especially when my partner’s viewpoint can drive me crazy and make I wonder what the hell I got myself into.
Truthfully, a partner with a political belief opposite from you is thinking the exact same thing. I find that practicing these key elements don’t just help with keeping conversations under control, but help in reminding me that although opinions differ, my partner is still the same person I fell in love with. It’s about separating the media portrayed crazed, bible waving republican from the genuinely decent person my partner is. Funnily enough, some of my partner’s conservative beliefs is what attracted me to him. And my liberal beliefs is what attracted him to me. The media’s political standards don’t define either of us, we define ourselves within our own humanity. That’s what makes the relationship work.
It’s vital that two people involved remember that when they share with each other, they both learn more. It possible to agree to disagree. However a partner voted, they’re still a human being with human emotions. So, they deserve the respect that you wish to receive from them. It’s not ok to treat partners like garbage because of these differences. When my fight involves freedom of speech and freedom to assemble, I fight for the rights of my opposers too. Especially the one I love the most.
