Here's Why You Should Date A Republican, Even If You're A Democrat

Would you date someone who didn't agree with you politically?

If you're thinking, "HELL NO," you're hardly alone.

We live in a very polarized era where relationships (even friendships) between Republicans and Democrats are fairly taboo.

It makes sense. When liberals and conservatives can't even have civilized conversations, how can you expect them to succeed romantically?

Could a person who's feeling the Bern have a good time dating someone who wants to "make America great again"?

Doubtful.

I'm imagining a Sanders and Trump supporter heading out for a drink together only to come to the topic of the election, ultimately prompting a barroom brawl (induced by too much tequila).

Indeed, it's very difficult to believe a Republican and Democrat could date (and make it last).

Believe it or not, however, it does happen and it can work.

My grandma was a lifelong Democrat, but she was married to my grandfather for 60 years, and he was a staunch conservative.

And my mother, who is vehemently liberal, is happily married to my stepfather, a lifelong Republican.

Politics are very personal. The way a person votes offers a pretty accurate reflection of his or her inherent values.

But there is a lot more to people than their political affiliations. We are not defined by our politics.

There's also evidence political differences can actually be a benefit in some relationships.

And maybe we can help bridge the partisan divide by spreading the love between people from both parties (it couldn't hurt).

You might not be convinced just yet, and that's understandable. Baby steps.

Perhaps we can begin changing your mind by discussing why you should date a Republican.

PS: A liberal wrote this article.

Republicans have better sex.

In 2012, Binghamton University and dating website Match.com surveyed more than 5,000 single American men and women.

Politically conservative respondents were much more likely than other groups to say they were satisfied with their sex lives.

Liberals were found to be more likely to have frequent sex, but 53 percent of self-described conservative Republicans said they reached orgasm each time they had sex, compared to 40 percent of liberals.

Quality over quantity?

Conservatives know how to commit.

If you're looking to start a serious relationship that has a high probability of lasting a long time, you should consider dating a Republican.

According to research conducted by W. Bradford Wilcox, a professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, self-identified Republicans are more likely to be married and less likely to be divorced than Democrats. Moreover, they are more likely than Democrats and Independents to report being happier with their marriages.

Seems fair to say conservatives are good at commitment.

You'll become more adaptable and a better communicator.

Dating someone with different values from you can be difficult, but it also has the potential to make you a much more flexible person.

As psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert puts it,

If a couple who doesn't share political views has a healthy relationship, then that speaks to other strengths. For example, they may have good communication and conflict resolution skills, a healthy sex life, shared goals and similar interests -- all of which are possible even if their politics differ.

We can all benefit from avoiding stereotyping people by their politics, and it's important to realize our personal opinions aren't sacrosanct. Open-mindedness and the ability to compromise are indispensable characteristics.

Keep spreading the love; America could use it.