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 Tooting
Tue 7 May 2024
The Wheatsheaf, London, Tooting
NEW - Tooting's busiest speed date at this South West London institution.
Speed Dating in the City
Wed 8 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Speed Dating in Cambridge
Wed 8 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 9 May 2024
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 in Manchester
Thu 9 May 2024
Be At One Manchester, Manchester, Deansgate
Meet new people at this top-notch speed dating experience in the heart of MCR.
Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Thu 9 May 2024
The Barologist, Edinburgh, Leith
Edinburgh's best speed dating event at this incredible venue.
OVER 40s Speed Dating in Canterbury
Thu 9 May 2024
One Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent
Canterbury's busiest speed dating event. Join us and meet new people in person.
Over 40 Speed Dating in Derby
Thu 9 May 2024
Carnero Lounge, Derby, Derbyshire
Exclusive Over 40s speed dating. Come along to the smartest bar in Derby and date up to 15 likemi...
Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 10 May 2024
The Moniker, London, The City
One of London's most successful speed dating events. Who will you meet this Friday?
Over 50s Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 10 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 10 May 2024
Hank's Bar, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Start the weekend with speed dating in the city's trendiest bar.
Early Summer Singles Party Glasgow
Fri 10 May 2024
Vega , Glasgow, Scotland
Join us for our Early Summer Singles Party in Glasgow. Over 80+ people expected.
EARLY SUMMER LOCK & KEY PARTY 2024
Sat 11 May 2024
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Welcome to the biggest party for single Londoners of the early summer. Over 250+ people expected!
EARLY SUMMER LOCK & KEY PARTY + PRE-PARTY SPEED DATING
Sat 11 May 2024
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Welcome to the biggest party + pre-party speed dating for single Londoners. Over 250+ people are ...
Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Sat 11 May 2024
The Kings Arms, Central London
Brand new Saturday night event in the heart of the West End.
Gay Speed Dating
Sat 11 May 2024
Komyuniti - Yotel, London, Clerkenwell
Join us for gay speed dating and meet around 15 men. Did we mention a free welcome drink?
Quiz Dating
Tue 14 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
A pub quiz and a speed dating event rolled into one. That's Quiz Dating and it's a whole lot of fun.
Speed Dating in the City
Wed 15 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Speed Dating in Camden
Wed 15 May 2024
Studio 48, London, Camden
Join us for our Camden speed dating event at the fantastic Studio 48. Book now for this busy event.
Speed Dating in Islington
Thu 16 May 2024
The Bull, London, Islington
Islington's very one speed dating event at this ace North London venue.
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