The line that can't be crossed
This is a big week. It's a big week for all American citizens (Super Tuesday). And it's a big week for college basketball fans (if you don't know what I'm talking about, then I'm not talking about you!)
Lest you think I've forgotten what this blog is all about, I'll get to the point, now. A few weeks ago I went out on a date. When my friends asked me how it went, all I could muster was this statement: I don't know if I can date a Republican in an election year. Add to that, he is a Duke sympathizer (almost worse than a fan) and I was pretty much turned off.
Now MY political and basketball ideology aside (this is a dating blog and that's my feeble attempt to avoid a political or sports debate here), if you feel very strongly about a team, whether it be sports, politics, religion, whatever, can you date across that line? I understand the importance of broadening horizons and listening to other points of view, but that doesn't mean I want them espoused by my boyfriend. In my defense, he liked to talk over and interrupt me, making it near impossible for me to make a point in even the friendliest of debates.
I've heard stories about married couples who root for different teams across the eight-mile divide that defines a rivalry in college sports. Sometimes, hilarity ensues although I think it'd get pretty serious when kids are involved.
A couple whom I'm friends with, both Carolina fans, argue vigorously during games (over stuff like 'You're not wearing the right color! You jinxed us!) I'd hate to see what would happen if they weren't both rooting for the same team.
On the religious side of things, my parents come from very different religious backgrounds. When the dinner debate turns to religion, one usually leaves the table upset.
What do you guys think? Any stories of your own?
In closing, I'd like to send a message to my man Ty Lawson (not that he reads this blog or anything): If you can't play tomorrow, it's OK. We'll win anyway. And then you can help us ruin another Senior Night in March. (Comments contradicting that statement not welcome.)
Comments (5)
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I know what you mean about different philosophies. My father is conservative Republican. My sister is as liberal as one gets. I fall in the middle and have just voted with my heart, crossing party lines on more than one occasion.
My last girlfriend is converting to Catholicism, and me being sort of agnostic did not work well.
A little differnce is a good thing I think when it comes to relationships. I guess it has to be up to the person to decide what is tolerable for them and what is not.
Posted on February 5, 2008 10:05 AM
Flexibility and having a sense of humor about yourself can help. Of course, everyone has a different limit for that.
Posted on February 5, 2008 12:23 PM
"... he liked to talk over and interrupt me, making it near impossible for me to make a point in even the friendliest of debates."
As Wingfella says, having a sense of humor really helps in these kinds of situations. And it sounds like this guy didn't have one. It's a lot easier to hang out with someone you disagree with when they're not belittling you.
Posted on February 5, 2008 1:24 PM
Agreed, Reggie. I love a good debate. I despise being drowned out. You know, when someone can't really find a way to counter your argument so they just talk louder.
New guy -- I bet family dinners are a bit awkward these days, especially if you're stuck in the middle!
Sometimes I think it's just better to avoid subjects that could be controversial, like politics, during dates. (In fact, that just might be one of The Rules.) But then again, if it's something I care about, why shy away?
Posted on February 5, 2008 1:40 PM
The only time I've dated someone with seriously different politics from mine, we solved it by only talking about politics in bed. It kept our similarities and differences in the appropriate scope.
Posted on February 5, 2008 6:27 PM