For many of us, politics are a big deal. Some people are even defined by their politics and it becomes an important part of their personality. When it comes to speed dating, some people screen their matches based on their political ideals and affiliations - if they give a wrong answer, they don't have a chance. Is this fair? In a time of high levels of tolerance and individual dependence, does it really matter if the person you are dating holds a different set of political views, or maybe even doesn't care at all?
For some people, this will be a resounding, "YES!" For those who are really into politics, the idea of dating a person who disagrees with their beliefs seems impossible. After all, if a relationship is the aim, then this should be fundamentally based on common ground and shared qualities. If both parties disagree on key issues, how can they ever truly communicate with one another in the long term?
This can go as far as vital differences in how they see family roles and the upbringing of children, things that may prove difficult to reconcile further down the line. They would argue that it's better to catch these things early. In more immediate terms, dating should be fun. That's not easy if you're arguing all the way through your date, unless that's what gets you both going...
Even if you only have a more passing interest in politics, if you don't agree with someone's opinions on a number of issues it is always likely to turn you off. You start to see them differently. You begin to put up barriers and find excuses for not liking them and things are never likely to succeed from here.
Worse for some would be a date who doesn't care about politics at all. To disagree on issues is one thing, where the other person can justify and rationalise their beliefs, but to be apathetic is a different situation entirely. Some of us love to debate these issues with each other and if your date is uninformed and can't engage with the argument, it can make the whole experience fall flat. For someone very interested in politics, it may indicate that the other person doesn't care about the wider-world, making them seem self-centred and perhaps even unintelligent.
Having said all of that, politics does not have to be the end of the matter, it may instead prevent two people from having an otherwise wonderful relationship. Other than the political parties they support and certain beliefs they may have, they could make for a perfect couple, each compensating for the other's flaws.
We put red flags up all the time in our daily lives, giving ourselves excuses not to do things. Citing politics as a reason for not dating someone without getting to know them first seems to me to be a little short-sighted - you might really hit it off. It has been true for a long time that people claim support for parties based on their family history without knowing a thing about what they stand for. It's important to take things lightly.
Speed dating is best when you don't put parameters in place before you even meet someone. If you keep an open mind and take things easy you might just be rewarded. Come to our next event and see for yourself, you never know who you might meet.
Here's a few speed dating events in London that might be for you.
Speed Dating in Clapham
Thu 30 Jun 2022
Sugar Cane, London, Clapham Junction
You'll typically meet 15-18 people for our popular speed dating event at this very cool Clapham v...
Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 1 Jul 2022
Dion - St Pauls, London, City
It's our busiest event of the week. 25 dates and no work tomorrow. You just can't beat this event.
Saturday Night Speed Dating
Sat 2 Jul 2022
Perini & Perini, Central London
Join up to 40 people for this busy Saturday night speed dating event in Central London. Read more.
Speed Dating in Clapham
Tue 5 Jul 2022
Sugar Cane, London, Clapham Junction
You'll typically meet 15-18 people for our popular speed dating event at this cool venue in CJ.
Speed Dating Over 40s
Tue 5 Jul 2022
Perini & Perini, Central London
Join us for some speed dating in Oxford Circus and meet around 15 people!
Speed Dating in Central London
Wed 6 Jul 2022
Perini & Perini, Central London
Leave the dating apps behind come and meet *actually* meet people at this busy speed dating event...
Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Thu 7 Jul 2022
The Barologist, Leith
NEW - Edinburgh's best speed dating event at this incredible venue.
Speed Dating in Islington
Thu 7 Jul 2022
The Bull, London, Islington
Islington's very one speed dating event at this ace North London venue.
Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 8 Jul 2022
Dion - St Pauls, London, City
It's our busiest event of the week. 25 dates and no work tomorrow. You just can't beat this event.
Saturday Night Speed Dating
Sat 9 Jul 2022
Perini & Perini, Central London
Join up to 40 people for this busy Saturday night speed dating event in Central London. Read more.
Saturday Night Speed Dating
Sat 9 Jul 2022
Pavilion End, St Pauls
It's Saturday night speed dating in The City. Meet around 20 dates for a great night out.
THE ORIGINAL DATING SUMMER IN THE CITY PARTY
Sat 9 Jul 2022
The Refinery, London, Central
Welcome to the biggest party for single Londoners of the summer. 250+ people expected!
Speed Dating in Tooting
Tue 12 Jul 2022
The Wheatsheaf, Tooting
NEW - Tooting's busiest speed date at this South West London institution.
Speed Dating in Central London
Wed 13 Jul 2022
Perini & Perini, Central London
Leave the dating apps behind come and meet *actually* meet people at this busy speed dating event...
Speed Dating in Maidstone
Thu 14 Jul 2022
Mu Mu, Maidstone
NEW - Join us for Maidstone's busiest speed dating event at this unique venue.
Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Thu 14 Jul 2022
The Barologist, Leith
NEW - Edinburgh's best speed dating event at this incredible venue.
Speed Dating in St Albans
Thu 14 Jul 2022
The Crown, Hertfordshire
This is St Albans busiest speed date at Hertfordshires finest bar.
Speed Dating in Canterbury
Thu 14 Jul 2022
One Pound Lane, Canterbury
Canterbury's busiest speed dating event. Join us and meet new people in person.
Speed Dating in Oxford
Thu 14 Jul 2022
St Aldates Tavern, Oxfordshire
Oxford's busiest speed dating event. 15-20 dates in one fun night at this fab venue in the city c...
Speed Dating in Manchester
Thu 14 Jul 2022
Foundry Project, Northern Quarter
NEW - Manchester's busiest speed dating event at this stunning venue.
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