I recently came across a essay submitted to the New York Times Modern Love column. Besides finding it amusing in a sentimental kind of way, it hit strangely close to home. The essay entitled ‘I Married a Republican: There I said it’ can be generically summed up by its title: its about one person’s story depicting the difficulties surrounding bipartisan relationships.
“Oh, the people next door! They’re …,” she paused and lowered her voice, “ … Republican.” Everyone grimaced. The conversation quickly turned to complaints about the current administration. Before long it wasn’t just the administration being bashed but Republicans in general. I stood there nodding, my dirty secret lodged in my throat like a golf ball.
As I read the essay it got me thinking about my own relationship. I’m currently dating someone whose Muslim, big deal right, except I’m not – in fact I’m the polar opposite Unitarian Universalist. Picture this one of the most disciplined religions in the world (Islam) and one of the most eclectic and non-dogmatic (UU) combined as one. Sure it may be hard sometimes, but you can’t help who you love right? Our culture sometimes makes it difficult for people of different faiths, ethnicities, or party loyalties to feel welcome, but these differences are often superficial, and in the end don’t matter much
But it is a fair topic of discussion. So lets discuss!!!!
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hmm I really feel you as i’m dating a UU. It is difficult at times, but we tend to work through most of our problems. It really is a pity that cultural barriers exist as they do. It seems like its rarely a religious barrier as it is cultural. But like you said, cant help who you fall in love with right? lol. wish people were more accepting some time.
love ya
I’m dating a republican, presbyterian, white guy, originally from Kentucky and i am a democrat, Catholic, half black half white, living in California, its a mess we have to agree to not talk about any touchy subjects.