Lately, the upcoming election is permeating every aspect of American life. Not surprisingly it has become a topic of discussion in the dating world as well. How important is it for you and your significant other to share similar political views? Could opposing views impact a relationship? Recently, we conducted a poll to determine how political beliefs are playing a part in today’s dating scene. The results are rather surprising, and reflect the significance political discussions have on dating.

33% have experienced a “ruined date” because of a date’s political opinions and of that 33%, 18% would not give their date a second chance.

50% of both single men and women think that dating someone with opposite political views was fine for the short-term, but not for the long-haul.

58% of men but only 38% of women think that dating someone who has opposite political opinion might not make a good long-term relationship, but it could create some fantastic passion!

38% of single women avoid dating men with strong political opinions. Only ¼ of single men avoid dating women with strong political opinions.

41% of men and 40% of women think it’s risky to talk politics on a first date.

63% said that they only date people who have similar political opinions and beliefs.

These results indicate that there are no hard and fast rules about political talk and first dates. What we do know, though, is that having an interesting and engaging conversation on a first date, or any date for that matter, is vital to the success of a relationship.