Jennifer Wexler Shares Why It's Important To Talk About Politics With Your Date | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Swoon

Expert Says You SHOULD Be Talking Politics On Dates, Especially If It's A Potential Dealbreaker For You

Sounds crazy, but...

4263
Man and woman wearing masks and chatting while social distanced on park bench

When you go on a date, there are certain topics that are considered "taboo" to talk about.

Especially if you don't know the person all that well. One of these so-called "taboo topics" is politics. However, I was able to chat with Jennifer Wexler, dating coach and founder of "Find Real Love After 40," who says talking politics on a first date could actually be a good thing.

If you're wondering why someone would want to talk about such a touchy subject right away, Wexler shared, "Politics is going to come up at some point" and it's better to know about someone's political background right away, especially if politics is a potential deal-breaker because "It's better to know now than later."

Of course, though, that doesn't mean you have to bring it up on your first date, it's something that can be discussed at any time, but you have to decide how important it is for you to know and whether it could potentially cause problems later on if you don't. The best way to bring up politics once you are ready, Wexler suggests, is in a curious way, rather than a way that feels like probing.

When asking your date about politics, Wexler advises people to focus on values, rather than beliefs.

She says it's important to figure out where they developed their values, and what they consider important. "Be respectful and kind," she emphasized, "Explain why you voted for someone, and why you believe certain things, then ask them to do the same." This approach can also be used to talk about other touchy subjects, like money or religion.

The big question, though, is how to approach a situation in which you learn the person you're dating has different values or politics than you. Firstly, don't worry! It is possible to continue the relationship. The key to making it work, Wexler says, is in the way you respond: "It can work out if you respond with curiosity and an open mind, not if you respond with aggression. Respect each other's differences, knowing that you might not necessarily agree on issues."

Values are more often much more important than political beliefs.

Wexler even shared that her own parents have different political views, however, they share the same values, which lead to healthy debates that can be really good for a romantic relationship.

Naturally, not everyone can date someone who has different political views, so that is why it ends up being so important to talk about this early on — particularly for those who want to date someone with the same political affiliation. No matter what, you must be respectful, then choose to do what's best for you: opt into a relationship built on the same values and healthy debate on political topics or choose to date someone with similar views.

"Dating is about getting to know someone authentically," Wexler says, "You're collecting info and data and figuring out if that person is right for you." If they are, fantastic, if not, there's always the next one. But either way, you must be respectful.

Follow Swoon on Instagram.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198200
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19641
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461472
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28636
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments