New research shows dating is more political than ever – here's how to navigate it

Everything is political

The Federal Election is two weeks away and it feels like we’re talking about politics more openly than ever. But according to new research, it’s also impacting our dating lives.

This year’s federal election and the media surrounding it has already been pretty divisive.

As political tensions grow around the world, our stance on issues feels like it’s becoming more intrinsic to who we are. 

While we’re all still confused as to whether someone means they have liberal views or they vote for the Liberal party when selecting their political preference on dating apps, it’s clear that the distinction is important to many daters.

According to new research from Bumble and Cheek Media Co, 64 per cent of us think it’s impossible to date someone with opposing political views.

Which makes sense considering many of us base our political preferences on our strongest values and passions. It can be hard to separate the person from their voting preference, and 37 per cent of Aussies also said differing political views have been to blame for their breakups.

The majority of respondents said even if it’s a turn off, they would prefer to date someone who says they aren’t political over someone with opposing political views, while 56 per cent have even influenced a date to vote differently. 

64 per cent of us think it’s impossible to date someone with opposing political views. Image: Pexels

But according to political advocate and author of Bite Back, Hannah Ferguson, opposing views don’t have to be the death of a relationship. 

“The data shows that who someone votes for is increasingly becoming a compatibility filter for many Australians. And while politics is no longer taboo on first dates, it is still possible to make healthy, equitable connections with someone who votes differently, as long as your values align”, she said.

How to date someone with different political views

#1. Incorporate politics into your profile

If politics is important to you, let your potential dates know. 

Incorporate politics into your profile. Image: iStock

Four in five Aussies said they would be upfront about who they’re voting for, even on a first date.

It doesn’t have to be a serious, vibe-shifting conversation – you can even just sprinkle your views into your prompts in a lighthearted way to invite conversation. 

#2. Focus on non-political values too

Ferguson said, “When it comes to forming meaningful connections, it’s not exclusively about who someone votes for — it’s about what they stand for.”

So it’s important to look beyond parties and focus on who they are as people, how they make you feel, how they treat others, their values and beliefs.

So it’s important to look beyond parties and focus on who they are as people, how they make you feel, how they treat others, their values and beliefs. Image: Pexels

#3. Choose curiosity over combativeness

Yes, politics is important and affects us all, even if we think we’re not political, but opposing views don’t have to automatically sever connections.

“You can disagree politically and still connect romantically”, Ferguson said. “As the data shows, you don’t need to be nervous about discussing politics, it’s healthy to voice your opinion and listen to others.” 

“The aim is to have a conversation that is open, relaxed and respectful. Their ability to listen, take on feedback and have an open mind is a better measure than just their past politics.”

The political advocate emphasises, “It’s not exclusively about who someone votes for — it’s about what they stand for. Do they listen? Are they kind? Do their values match yours? This growing focus on politics presents an opportunity when dating, especially for women, to be clear about what they stand for in a potential relationship.”

Originally published as New research shows dating is more political than ever – here's how to navigate it