SHOULD POLITICS MATTER TO COUPLES

I hope this was an intriguing title because I honestly don’t have the answer. I do have my own experience as my husband and I have been together 10 years and married for 2 years. Marriage and dating is very different but together we found out each others values early on. Values beyond beliefs and political preferences. To us, politics don’t matter. You are probably thinking…well if politics is not important to your relationship then what the heck are you doing writing about it? I actually have the answer to this one! I’m a fixer. I saw a problem and felt passionate enough to write my perspective on the issue in hopes to change the world… It’s okay, I’m laughing too!

Talk About It.

I am in no way claiming we do it “right” or “well”. So don’t quote me…

Not just in marriage, but in every relationship you should seek to listen to a persons values. However, when it comes to politics, do not define that person by their preference of party. I do not want anyone to see or hear my name and automatically pin me as a republican or democrat who has a political blog. I’m much more than that and at this point I would hope you have read most of the posts and found I’m not writing on behalf of one party. I am writing on behalf of every person – believer or not, democrat or not.

Go Deep.

Talking about where you both stand on political issues can deepen your relationship. I asked Sean before writing this questions to gain more content. Just in listening to his answers, I found out a little more about him. Just like when I told him I was going to start a blog about politics and religion, he learned just how much I cared to share my experiences.

We believe as a couple that:

• It’s important to know what is going on in the world. It is foolish to be blinded from what is happening around you by choosing not to look.
• Have a healthy balance of knowing enough of what is going on but not so much it dictates most of your life.
• We do not assume by lumping a certain party together that they all believe the same thing as one another.

Do Not…I Repeat Do Not Try to Change Them!

Your relationship is founded on mutual respect for one another. You have not had the same experiences and their perspective is probably valid! It took us time to figure out our own stance on politics because we were so focused on our religious beliefs. I’ll say it again, politics do not matter in the big picture. In other words, Sean and I do not live for our country.  We strive to function in unison to replicate God’s image and expand His rule in the world through our individual callings. So together we have the same end goal. When approaching political conversations, you have to keep in mind you may not agree with them but their perspective is still valid. It’s disrespectful to think you can change them to “your side”. They are their own person just as much as you are. If political party is important, you need to bring that up early on to avoid trying to change them.

Take a Lap.

When conversations turn to arguments…take a lap. It’s really not that serious. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

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