OPINION: Should you let the election ruin your relationship?
Georgia Gay, Assistant Editor
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Never has America experienced such an extreme political divide. Candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are described as polar opposites. Their relationship is anything but friendly and when it comes right down to it, both seem to be more concerned about the show they are putting on rather than acting in a presidential manner. If one isn’t suffering from pneumonia or getting involved in email scandals, the other is accusing the current president of a false birth certificate or threatening to build walls.
The bickering and childish banter seems to be escalating with each passing day. There are many topics to be discussed, like foreign affairs and education, but the hottest topic seems to be who can be the most manipulative. People all across America are so torn as to who can properly run the U.S. and having to pick one is like pulling teeth.
Bringing this to a more microscopic level, how could this election affect a relationship? With each candidate being so heavily Democratic or Republican, there is no middle ground. If politics are a hot topic for you and your significant other, this election can really push some boundaries. Grace Bridger, senior ODEL major says “I think it depends on how passionate each person is. I do not think it is a good excuse to end a relationship though.”
This election is causing those in a relationship to reflect on their beliefs and their significant others. If one supports Trump while the other supports Clinton, issues will arise. There is no avoiding it. “It just depends on the relationship. If the two can talk it out like civilized people, then they can try and talk it out,” says Sam Helms, senior biology major. The Wall Street Journal has even gone as far as to say that marriages are in turmoil over this political dispute. Most couples are just agreeing to disagree. Helms goes on to say, “It should not ruin a relationship. It’s like having a difference in opinion about music or whatever else.”
The election should not factor heavily into a relationship if there is a mutual agreement of respect. Whether the couple agrees with each other or disagrees overall, it could be an issue that is not brought up because it will cause conflict. I can only hope that your relationship is going better than this election.
