• Don’t assume that your partner knows how you feel – This is one of men’s pet peeves about women – we don’t tell them what we want. When we assume that our partner can read our thoughts or feelings, we set ourselves up to be disappointed when they don’t respond the way we would like. Tell your partner how you feel, and even be willing to tell them how you need them to respond when necessary.
• Be a good listener – When your partner talks to you, really listen to what they’re saying. If you are immediately defensive or dismissive with your partner when they try to address an issue, they will begin to believe that you don’t value their feelings and that talking to you is fruitless.
• Don’t bottle things up inside- Address issues when they arise. I know this is easier said than done. Fear of the reaction we might get when we bring up something unpleasant is the biggest reason we avoid it. But, when we hold things in, we create tension and frustration, which makes us more likely to get angry when we finally do discuss the situation with our partner. Talking about issues when they come up helps us to keep the issues in perspective and avoid tension and frustration.

Related posts

• November 10, 2011 -- Getting Dates Via Instant Messaging (IM)
• October 26, 2007 -- Another Vote for Online Dating?
• January 26, 2012 -- How To Get the Boys Falling At Your Feet
• November 10, 2011 -- Three Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Get a Man to Notice You
• October 13, 2011 -- Title: 10 Signs that She is Attracted to You
• October 13, 2011 -- Is She Playing Hard to Get? Decode Mixed Signals
• September 27, 2011 -- Find the Partner You Want by Really Knowing what You Want

So, what happens then?

For some couples, they have successfully managed polar opposite political thoughts, enjoying the opportunity to be with someone who shows them the other side of the debate.

For others – if you’re not what they are, you might want to leave. NOW.

This is why it’s generally sage advice to avoid the political discussion until later in the relationship. You’re not avoiding the topic, but merely putting it on the backburner in order to focus on getting to know the person before knowing their ideals.

(And in truth, most people’s political colors will shine through, even if they aren’t mentioned.)

Of course, this does beg the question: do you dump someone just because they don’t agree with you? Seems a little silly when you put it that way, for certain, but just as with religion and babies, some ideals are deal breakers in relationships.

And if politics is one, you need to be upfront from the start. That way, you can both cast your ballots the way you want and you both find someone to love who believes in you as much as they believe in their opinions.

Related posts

• August 3, 2011 -- Perfect Matches with the Duet Test?
• July 5, 2011 -- Science and romance come together at eHarmony
• June 23, 2011 -- The Internet Can Help Us to Find True Compatibility
• October 10, 2010 -- Are They “The One”?
• April 19, 2010 -- Online Dating Gate Crashers
• December 18, 2009 -- Most Important Compatibility Factors
• October 14, 2008 -- Creating a Long Distance Relationship That Works

So, where does that leave your new relationship?

Typically, this is the point of the year where couples bring home their significant others to meet the folks. And as a result, it’s a tense time of year, filled with arguing, discomfort, and often post-turkey breakups.

To avoid this kind of mood killer for your holiday, you have a few options.

• Go for it – That’s right, take your new online date to the table for turkey dinner. After all, you have a great story about how you met, assuming the dating site isn’t anything too risque.
• Go for part of it – If your family can handle it, take your date over for just a dessert plate. This way, your date will be able to meet everyone, without it being a full dinner situation.
• Go separately – If the relationship is still a little new, simply go your separate ways on this special day and commit to seeing and meeting the families at the next major holiday. No pressure, no tension – just more time to see if this person is truly someone you want to bring home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Related posts

• November 8, 2007 -- Holiday Breakups – Love Them or Leave Them?
• December 14, 2010 -- Are We Spending the Holidays Together?
• November 29, 2010 -- Great November Dates
• February 8, 2010 -- Battling The Winter Dating Blahs
• December 23, 2009 -- It’s The Most Lonely Time Of The Year
• December 6, 2009 -- Planning Ahead For Holiday Season
• February 2, 2009 -- Maybe You Don’t Have to Date…

And it seems like it’s a year for the Democrats.

Hillary Clinton won the Booty Call poll over Obama with 55% of the vote, while former candidate Jon Edwards’ wife Elizabeth won the vote for the candidate spouses.

But what does it matter who the general public will sleep with?   Well, it’s no secret that many people vote based on who they like in the election – not necessarily who they agree with.  If something has a face they like and they’re not in completely opposition to their looks, that candidate might have a better shot.

It sounds crude, but in a media driven world, is it really any surprise?

That said, the creators of this poll wondered if Edwards should have stuck it out in the nomination process because his wife was so highly ranked.  In an election year, it seems, any advantage might be one the candidate should take.

Polls like these are a little silly, but if they help voters learn who the candidates are and what they stand for, perhaps we’re actually all becoming more educated voters as a result.  And that’s not a bad thing at all.

Related posts

• September 7, 2011 -- Talking about a Relationship that has fallen into a Rut
• November 29, 2008 -- When Do You Talk Politics on a Date
• October 26, 2007 -- Another Vote for Online Dating?
• December 21, 2006 -- Online dating for men

Okay, so you’re not going to find the love of your life, but you are going to answer questions about what you feel about abortion, immigration, taxes, same sex marriage, etc. This is going to help decide which candidate right now should get your vote in the next presidential election.

But, in a sense, you are trying to set up a ‘date’ with the next presidential election. You want to know what the candidates have to offer before you make your final choice. And if you’re not sure what you want, these websites can help you pick the right person for your beliefs and your current living situation.

Even if you have no idea who is running or what they stand for, you can get an inside look at their ideas and beliefs to help you start making up your mind.

Your love life doesn’t have to stop during the election year, but you might want to think about other candidates for your country too. Your love life can wait for one night. Online dating apparently isn’t just for love; it’s for matching up with the right leader too.

Related posts

• November 3, 2010 -- Open Communication
• February 2, 2009 -- Maybe You Don’t Have to Date…
• October 12, 2007 -- Online Dating: Are You Taking It Seriously?
• October 3, 2007 -- Because the Internet Isn’t Fast Enough for Some Singles
• September 6, 2007 -- Want to Rekindle an Old Flame?
• August 29, 2007 -- Are Women the Only Ones Online for Love?
• May 17, 2007 -- Are We All Racists When It Comes To Dating?