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 the City
Wed 22 May 2024
The Crown & Sceptre, London, Central London
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Over 40s Speed Dating in Cambridge
Wed 22 May 2024
The Lab, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Join around 30 singles at this trendy Cambridge venue for a fun night meeting new people.
Speed Dating in Clapham
Thu 23 May 2024
Sugar Cane, London, Clapham Junction
You'll typically meet 12-15 people for our popular speed dating event at this cool venue in CJ.
Gay Speed Dating Manchester
Thu 23 May 2024
Be At One Manchester, Manchester, Deansgate
Join us for gay speed dating in Manchester and meet around 15 men. It's a blast!
Glasgow Speed Dating - Thirties
Thu 23 May 2024
Missoula, Glasgow, Scotland
The perfect speed dating event if you're in your thirties and single in Glasgow
Speed Dating in Canterbury
Thu 23 May 2024
One Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent
Canterbury's busiest speed dating event. Join us and meet new people in person.
Speed Dating in Derby
Thu 23 May 2024
Carnero Lounge, Derby, Derbyshire
Derby's busiest speed dating event. Meet up to 15 singles at this cool bar, in the heart of Derby.
Speed Dating Cardiff
Thu 23 May 2024
Dirty Martini, Cardiff, Wales
Join us for our brand new singles events in the heart Cardiff.
Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 24 May 2024
The Otherist, London, The City
It's our busiest event of the week. Meet loads of potential dates and no work tomorrow. You just ...
Friday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s event
Fri 24 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
Kick start your weekend with Friday night speed dating at our brand new venue in the heart of the...
Speed Dating in Oxford
Fri 24 May 2024
Hank's Bar, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Start the weekend with speed dating in the city's trendiest bar.
Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Sat 25 May 2024
The Kings Arms, Central London
Brand new Saturday night event in the heart of the West End.
Gay Speed Dating
Sat 25 May 2024
Komyuniti - Yotel, London, Clerkenwell
Join us for gay speed dating and meet around 15 men. Did we mention a free welcome drink?
Tuesday Night Speed Dating 20s & 30s
Tue 28 May 2024
The Crown & Sceptre, London, Central London
Ease into the week and spend Tuesday evenings with us and up to 15 dates in the City.
Speed Dating in the City
Wed 29 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Vegan & Vegetarian Speed Dating
Wed 29 May 2024
Studio 48, London, Camden
Meet singles who share your passion for vegan or veggie food at this cool spot in Camden.
Speed Dating in Islington
Thu 30 May 2024
The Bull, London, Islington
Islington's very one speed dating event at this ace North London venue.
Speed Dating in St Albans
Thu 30 May 2024
The Crown, St Albans, Hertfordshire
This is St Albans busiest speed date at Hertfordshires finest bar.
Speed Dating in Maidstone
Thu 30 May 2024
Mu Mu, Maidstone, Kent
NEW - Join us for Maidstone's busiest speed dating event at this unique venue.
Speed Dating in Brighton
Thu 30 May 2024
The Walrus, The Lanes, Brighton
*NEW VENUE* It's Brighton's best speed dating event. Join us and meet up to 15 dates at The Walrus
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