How The Upcoming Election is Straining Marriages- Anthony Lane

 

    As everyone is well aware, there is a pretty controversial presidential election happening right now, and the country is divided on every possible issue which brings up a very prevalent question. Are marriages of opposite political views able to survive? 

    Bipartisan marriages have for the most part been able to stay healthy in previous elections. However, with the 2020 election being more intense and divided than usual, differing political views are straining marriages. Countless divorces that are currently happening are heavily influenced by spouses differing political views and couples struggle to stay together while disagreeing on such big issues. Party divides have become so bad, that many dating apps now give the user the option to pick political party preferences and many people are using this option. According from statistics from Dating.com, 84% of users will not even consider going on a date with someone of the opposing political views. It really is sad. America has become so divided that many struggle to even consider people who disagree with their own views.

    Thankfully, their is still hope. Some couples are able to get through their differences and maintain and keep their relationships healthy. One of the most important things in trying to keep a bipartisan marriage healthy is for each spouse to realize that most likely, neither one is going to change their views so trying to change the others views will only cause unnecessary anger and frustration. Another important thing is even if two spouses disagree, it is important that they still respect each other's views and are able to see that there are far more important things about a person then their political allegiances. Some couples even find joy in disagreeing. Wende Thoman, 72, says when politics are brought up, "I say he’s wrong and he says I’m wrong. Sometimes voices are raised. And then we have dinner!" To this couple, politics may be something that they disagree on, but that doesn't blind them into forgetting why they got married in the first place as it does for many.

    Through this very divided time in America, it is comforting to see that some people value others past just what their political beliefs are and that even though it seems like it, politics are not as important as things like family and friends.