Would you date someone from a different political party? | The Tylt

Fewer and fewer Americans are dating across party lines—only 10 to 11 percent of American couples actually have divergent party registrations. In the 1950s and 1960s, "Party affiliation made virtually no difference to interpersonal relations,” says Shanto Iyengar, a professor of political science and communication at Stanford University.

In the 1950s, when people were asked how they would feel if their child were to marry someone from another political party, less than 10 percent of Americans felt troubled or displeased by the prospect of inter-party marriage.

But today, as partisan divides have grown stronger than ever, people seem less open to romantic relationships with those who hold opposing political views.

“Thirty years later, around the late 1980s, the mid 1990s, we began to notice a dramatic change,” Iyengar says. “More than 25 percent now say that they would be troubled by the prospect of their offspring marrying outside the party. If you look at marriage across party lines today, it's extremely infrequent."

But others argue our increasing refusal to go out with people who don't share our political views just contributes to America's politically polarized and divisive climate. Are we really this intolerant of diverse political opinions?

Believe it or not, there are positive aspects to having a politically-divided partner. Like anything in life, it's all about perspective. 

For many, it's a black-and-white issue. Politics reflect your values.

For others, refusing to date someone due to party affiliation is ridiculous. During the 2016 election, there was actually a phenomenon known as the Trump divorce—one that left many shaking their heads in disbelief.