OK so just in case you hadn’t heard, there is a General Election tomorrow and while most of us wouldn’t choose to discuss politics on a date, impending ‘election fever’ is sweeping the nation, forcing itself into our homes, daily commute, office, and even our romantic liaisons damn it!
So who will you be voting for? You’re not alone if you’d rather not share that information. Why? Ah it just opens a whole can of political worms doesn’t it? Admitting to voting blue, red, yellow (or other) instantly speaks volumes about our views, identity and well, frankly, we don’t always fancy the nuclear fallout potential, especially on a date.
Yes, bringing politics along to a date or early relationships is risky. Some people thrive on talking politics and flaunting political ideologies on their sleeves, whereas others may feel threatened or turned off by strong opinions or an apparent support for a party they oppose.
But if you’re going to talk politics on a date this week, or you find yourself being quizzed on party manifesto’s, here’s how to keep it keep it all harmoniously ‘PC.’
YOU LOVE POLITICS:
1. Don’t force the issue: Ok, so you love politics and can recite each party manifesto in your sleep (really?) If you’re keen to talk about it, casually ask if your date knows who they’ll be voting for. Don’t demand an answer, let them volunteer that information then gauge how much they actually want to discuss politics, if at all…
2. Choosing the level of your campaign: OK, so they are receptive to a little political banter but don’t wade in with strong opinions and a plethora of stats, facts and figures just yet. Not everyone will feel as strongly as you but that doesn’t mean they feel that way about life, work and love in general! If they stop responding to your questions, look bored or start to assess the nearest exit routes, kill the political conversation dead. Now.
3. Respect opinion: If you feel strongly about politics, hate being opposed, can feel your blood boil when challenged, or tend to emit language that turns the air into David Cameron’s favourite colour, then you need to be a politician. Ok no, seriously, a date is a not a place to start a heated debate. Political discussions sometimes have a habit of making us appear aggressive. Keep your body language and tone of voice in check and save the heckling for your seat in the Question Time audience.
4. Realise you’re not always right. Nope, not even you. Listen to your date and just see it as a chance to have a really interesting conversation. They are not you so remember their situation or needs determine which party they lean towards. Don’t: Tut, roll your eyes, laugh through your nose, shake your head, talk over them or keep asking their name before you address their point. Oh and always answer their questions directly.
YOU’RE NOT THAT BOTHERED:
5. Don’t be bullied: No matter what the politicians tell us, truth or porkies, we naturally lean towards a party because we feel their views or agendas better suit our current situation. Maybe you think a party will be are more sympathetic to your work status, gender, what you’re hoping to achieve or your plans for the future. No one has the right to try and change your mind or tell you who to vote for and if they do? Tell them they won’t be getting your vote, love.
6. No vote: If you’re just not that interested in politics but your date seems to have commenced his or her own self promoting election campaign, simply tell them that you do follow politics but don’t wish to discuss it on a date, thanks, then change the subject. Any date interested in you will take the hint and move on. If they don’t, suggest a visit to www. zipit.com, if they still don’t, chances are they like the sound of their voice so much, they wouldn’t notice if you up and left anyway…
7. It’s my party: Ok, so you really fancy your date but their views or support for an opposing party turns you right off, frankly. Come on. You’d really turn down the chance of love because they prefer Dave, Ed, Nick, Nicola or Nige? Bad choice. You’re never going to agree on everything in life, period, so keep those political opinions to yourself. Differences are good. Being challenged is good.
Making is also good….so who would you really rather be in bed with? That lovely ‘Strucker you’ve been dating gets our vote…
Does political harmony matter in a relationship? Tell us @Lovestruck
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