Politics Making Strange Bedfellows

loid_void writes "Leave it to Reuters to report that the run-up to the U.S. presidential election is casting the spotlight on a new crop of Web sites for political-minded singles who are seeking Mr. or Ms. Right... or Left. But as such sites make small gains in the polls, another debate is brewing among singles in this politically divided nation: Is it better to find a like-minded mate or to cross party lines in the search for true love? Reached last week on his cell phone at the Republican National Convention in New York, Brian Barcaro said he does not interparty date and has no plans to start... let the debate begin!"

Comments

Re:Hah

[Lord Kano]

This is such a joke. It's not like the Democrats or Republicans really differ enough on important issues to matter!

Maybe not in the issues that are important to YOU.

I'm a Republican. I am pro life. I am pro second amendment.

I couldn't have a relationship with a woman who would abort my child if she got pregnant. I couldn't be with a woman who is troubled by my gun collection.

These issues may not mean much to you, but they would be a deal breaker when it comes to romance.

LK

Fiscal or social?

[stomv]

I expect that it would be hard to find a mate who differed on substantial social issues, such as abortion, firearms, tolerance, and religious-moral grounds.

However, if the differences are fiscal, than you can simply live life together and lobby your representatives differently.

Methinks that Christian conservative GOPers and Peacenik Dems might not work out so easily, but fiscally minded folks would hardly notice.

Opinions not what matters

[FlyingOrca]

The key is not opinions, it's values. One key, rather, because there's more to a successful relationship than just shared values. Core values can be interpreted differently, leading to different opinions; values and opinions can also be acted upon (or not) in different ways.

Shared values are important, though, both in my experience and in the analyses I've read. Other key factors: compatible fighting style, "givers" vs. "takers" (should be matched at the very least, but as a giver myself, I don't tend to think much of takers), activity level, degree of adherence to one's supposed principles, and sexual compatibility. And yes, I'm leaving "similar interests" out deliberately; probably nowhere near as important as those I've mentioned.

Cheers!