New research finds that more millennials are choosing dates based on their political affiliation than on how good they are in bed. Data from OkCupid reveals that the number of 22- to 37-year-olds who prioritize political party alliance over good sex has risen significantly since 2016, reports the New York Post.
Over eight million OkCupid users participated in a survey that found since 2004, attraction toward dating someone with similar political beliefs has risen 165 percent. In contrast, having good sex has fallen as a priority to 30 percent.
Between 2016 and 2018, the number of men who believe politics is more important than sex increased from 23 percent to 30 percent. For women, the increase was much greater—27 percent to 42 percent.
The potential downside to dating someone who’s very similar to you is that you could be missing out on some great sex. Sex therapist Megan Fleming told the Post that connecting too much with your partner politically can adversely affect your sex life.
“If you’re only exposing yourself to people who think like you, you’re living in a silo and missing out on opportunities,” she explained.
A 2018 OkCupid survey found that millennials also want their potential dates to be involved in the voting process. Eight-five percent said voting was “extremely or very important” to them on their dating profiles.
Still, if you’re dating or married to someone with different political views, you can still work it out. First, don’t view your partner as a stand-in for his or her political party. The views of a political leader may not reflect the exact views your partner has.
Second, listen to your partner’s opinions and complaints and understand that some things may bother him or her more than they bother you. Keep it in perspective.
Third, understand that you don’t always need to win an argument. You may disagree on an issue, but that disagreement is not going to change national policy. It could, however, damage or destroy your relationship.
Fourth, do not talk about politics before you turn in for the night. Leave some things for conversations earlier in the day.
Finally, focus on the things and issues you agree on. Find that common ground and know that most partners don’t agree on everything. What you do agree on is just as important.
