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Do political opposites attract?
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| plumeria |
A few years ago I found myself in this situation. One of my co-workers was a “gun toting, quail hunting republican.” Though attractive and intelligent enough, he enjoyed driving around in his SUV, carrying on about how he loved it when it rained in the desert because he pictured all the quail getting fat. This particular individual took great pleasure in calling me “tree hugger” after we had a short happy hour (a work event!) conversation in which I confessed to being a democrat. At first I was amused. I even found myself being attracted to this guy. At least he had conviction and confidence. There is something sexy about having an opinion, even if it’s not the same as yours. Plus he was smart and professional when I had work related questions.
But then one day at a large lunch meeting he really embarrassed himself. People were eating, talking about their plans for the weekend. Suddenly he ANNOUNCES, “I know what Simone’s doing this weekend. She’s going to go out in the desert and hug a tree.” Saying stuff like that in front of the 15 clients you are consulting for is pretty lame. But no one said anything. I’d have to say that any attraction died then and there. And thank god I was in a relationship at the time. Of course, my republican friend was also involved – not only with his girlfriend who moved all the way from Florida to be with him, but with a married (3 kids too) co-worker. I cheekily had fun with the situation though. His underling and I wrote “save the quail” in the dust on his car. Apparently he was perplexed – couldn’t figure out who would have written such a thing. Fortunately my stint at that project ended soon after the lunch incident but I did see him at the company holiday party a few months later. Though was there with the girlfriend, he was drinking scotch, leering at me, and telling me that he was going to dance with me. That’s when having to re-apply lipstick comes in so handy… I forgot about that guy for awhile but just found out a few weeks ago that he’s getting married to the woman (now divorced) with 3 kids. God help us all.
But do opposites really attract? Can two people agree to disagree politically? I can think of the James Carville – Mary Matalin union. As far as I know, they’re still married. Anyone else have a story about being attracted to your political opposite? |
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| Radagast |
| I doubt he was embarassed if he was able to say it in the first place. |
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| DigiNut |
| Odd story. But to answer your question, their political orientation is no more important than their religion - what matters (to me) is how well they're able to express themselves. If they give me something to think about then I love to listen to them. If they preach ignorance then it's a very quick turn-off. I prefer not to get into anecdotes, personally. |
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| imokruok |
Quite honestly, I think such relationships are becoming increasingly difficult in today's political climate. That's why there are actually online dating sites for Republicans and Democrats.
The fact is, the polarization of the parties means that it's pretty easy to identify the core beliefs of a member of a party. For example, if I go out with an admitted Republican, I can be pretty sure that she's pro-life, attends church on a somewhat regular basis, and has a general distaste for higher taxes and a welfare state.
So simply by identifying one quality, I already know a great deal about the way she thinks and feels. That's important to me, and hey, it makes dating a heck of a lot easier!
Now that's not saying that I can't identify with people of other political persuasions. Some of my favorite courses in college were essentially full of and taught by avowed liberals. (Music, art history, and cultural history...) I had a great time and got along well with the people in those classes. I just can't see myself in a long-term relationship with any of them, unless they can truly understand that I am the way that I am, and nothing's going to change. (Similar to Carville/Matalin).
BTW, nice to see another person from Madison on the boards! I just finished 7 wonderful years there in May. Back and forth between LA and Milwaukee now. |
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| Q5echo |
| i have a crush on a vegan. i've heard her touch on certain views. her name is christy and my buddies make fun of me because one day i couldn't stop talking about how soft her hands were. i go out with mutual frinds of ours on the weekends and i'll never tal politics with her. not because i don't think she could its just that i've kinda made this image of myself when i'm around her and now it would seem trite or something? i don't know. |
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| tathi |
| i thought all leftists were lesbian art students? :conf: |
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| St_Andrew |
| As long as they respect your opinion and you respet their opinion, then i think it actually may be a good thing. lots of interesting discussion may occur :) |
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| LiquidX |
| If your a passionate politician, then I guess not. But if the other person is an intelligent, open minded, non-ignorant-throwing comments, then it should be a fun, different way to view certain subjects with your partner. But I guess that, as longest there is a high sexual attraction, then.. WHO GIVES!:p |
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| Shakka |
| I will say this. I will never understand how the likes of Jimmy Carville and Mary Matlin can coexist within 10 feet of eachother, let alone be married to eachother. |
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| imokruok |
| quote: | Originally posted by Shakka
I will say this. I will never understand how the likes of Jimmy Carville and Mary Matlin can coexist within 10 feet of eachother, let alone be married to eachother. |
They probably figured that since they were screaming at each other all day anyways, they might as well be married. :D |
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| 3xx3r7 |
Speaking from personal experience, the answer is no.
:( |
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| JM |
i think this would cause too many arguments and disagreements between a man and a woman. its goes far deeper than the surface - it goes with a person's way of life as well as thinking.
my girlfriend thinks shes a liberal, at least thats what she used to preach when we got together. didnt bother me much, because as i got to know her, i figured that she stands for many things which i stand for, as well as the "republican" party in general. i beat it into her brain that while she may not be a complete republican, she definitely ISNT a liberal.
she IS a bit more liberal than I, but i'd hate to see myself witha girl that was an extremist republican. :toothless
>JM< |
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