Reader: Your Opinion About Politics Isn’t as Important as My Love Life

At the start of the summer, in anticipation of all those hot times ahead, we shared a string of articles about dating in Denver, including a cover piece that explored “Why Dating in Denver Is a Dumpster Fire.” Then, because misery loves company, we introduced “Dateless in Denver,” a series of reader essays on the realities of dating in Denver – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Last week’s essay by Abby Scott took a turn to the practical…and political, as she discussed why she wants a partner who supports her views. “Right now, I find politics too hurtful to imagine falling in love across the political aisle, or even struggling with some of the political views of men in the Democratic Party,” she wrote.

And that inspired plenty of comments, Says Kevin:

I think the greater problem these days, on both sides of the political aisle, is that individuals are increasingly choosing to silo themselves away in echo chambers where the only views they ever hear are from people who see the world exactly as they do. Over time, this phenomenon has drawn the left further left, the right further right, and resulted in the true moderates being dismissed as apathetic about America’s future.

I’ve personally known a number of career politicians over the years, some Democrats and some Republicans. It’s still surprising to me when “Bob” from the soccer team or “Jill” from the PTA are more emotionally invested in the election than the people who have made a career out of running for office.

The bottom line to me is actually rather quite simple: we live in a world where the political line between “red” and “blue” voters is drawn pretty close to halfway down the middle of our population. With that in mind, no matter how you vote in any given election, it’s likely that nearly half the country disagrees with your decision. Thus, if you automatically dismiss half of all Americans as “the problem with our country,: it’s probably time to do some introspection… because the problem might be found in you!

Notes Ashley:

It’s not even about politics at this point – it’s ethicality and morality. It’s racism, homophobia, sexism and misogyny, how someone feels about bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom, how someone feels about religious freedom (and freedom from religion), how someone feels about refugees, how you treat others, if you think your children should have less rights than you do, etc. and those are fundamental, core beliefs. It’s extremely important when matching romantically.

Responds Morgan:

This election was like all the other elections I have voted in since 1988. Democrats versus Republicans with differing political philosophies. Some on the left are agitated because their side lost. If someone will not date you because you do not slavishly adhere to their political beliefs, run, do not walk, away. They are controlling.

Offers Mike: 

Interesting concept. I remarried in 2020. First wife died from medical complications. I tried dating apps, and found my wife after almost giving up. (Glad I did not.) However, dating apps are a real trap. Women will ghost you for no reason. I had real conversations with two women, and then nothing. As for the female dating Kunar, dating is tough. You have to look at it as a job interview. Worrying about too much will take you down. Be who you are, and if the other party does not like it, move on. If you Gen Zers are tripping out about Trump being elected, too bad. He got elected for a reason. This country is in trouble, and needs someone with business sense to take it by the horns and clean it up. if people wanted four more years of Biden, they would elected him/her.

Comments Russ:

If it’s as bad as everyone says it is, I’m better off continuing to live as a hermit away from humanity. Being around other humans feels like a punch in the face waiting to happen. I just don’t have the energy to want to deal with it.

Offers Spencer: 

Since when is agreeing on everything a prerequisite for dating? Newsflash, you spend enough time with someone, you’re gonna disagree on something, believe it or not, this is good…yes, I said “newsflash”

Concludes Paul:

How about you stop influencing people to stop dating or break up so I can be happy in my life. Your opinion about politics isn’t as important as my love life.

You can read Abby Scott’s essay here. Leave a comment, or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com…where you can also submit your own anecdotes about dating in Denver.