Hey, do you know how your significant other casts their vote?

      I'm about to reveal something I've never shared before. In 2016, at the age of 22, I participated in my second election. I didn't hold strong opinions then and wasn't very informed. I believed in equality and fundamental human rights and voted liberal in my first election. When Trump emerged as a serious player in 2016, it sparked my political awakening. Unfortunately, my boyfriend didn’t share that experience. While I was outraged by Trump’s increasingly alarming policies during rallies and debates, my boyfriend hardly paid attention. When the Access Hollywood tapes of Trump discussing assaulting women were released, he dismissed it, saying, “That’s just how guys talked.” Disturbing, isn’t it?

      Before the 2016 election, there were already cracks in our relationship, but if I had been a bit older and stronger, November 8, 2016, would have marked the end of it. Instead, due to my anxious attachment style and lack of community outside that relationship, I chose to stay. Even though we ended up breaking up several months later, I’ve always regretted not leaving when our political differences became apparent. Because yes, sharing the same values as your partner is significant and should definitely be a dealbreaker.

      This might seem outdated. After all, it’s not 2016 anymore. In 2025, navigating political differences is as much a part of daily life as finding something to watch on TV after work. Yet, in the season eight finale of Love Is Blind, two couples failed to exchange vows at the altar, with both brides highlighting their partner’s values as the reason for their decision. Here’s why portraying these discussions on television is vital in the current political climate.

      You can’t simply “agree to disagree” on core values.

      Virginia and Devin appeared to be a solid couple throughout the season, but chemistry can only take you so far. After the pods, they had a tense discussion about their political beliefs that led to a reality check: Virginia is openly liberal, while Devin is a conservative voter.

      There may have been a time, long ago, when couples with opposing political views could make it work. But today? With critical issues like women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and DEI initiatives at stake? Not a chance. Virginia articulated this well during the Love Is Blind reunion. While Devin prefers to keep his values private on TV, Virginia openly declared, “I 100% support the LGBTQ community. I also believe in a woman’s right to choose regarding abortion. I think we should respect different religions.” This clearly indicates Devin’s position. He responded, “I think it’s possible to have a relationship even if you don’t completely agree on everything.”

      Here’s the issue: It’s impossible to be in a relationship with someone whose fundamental beliefs directly contradict yours. There’s far too much at risk not to be aligned on these significant issues with someone you plan to share your life with. This isn’t a disagreement about fracking or gerrymandering; people’s rights and lives depend on these matters. Virginia’s firm stance serves as a crucial reminder that “agreeing to disagree” isn’t an option for certain topics.

      Political apathy is at best irresponsible and at worst detrimental.

      In contrast to Virginia's understandable refusal to compromise with Devin, Sara's issues with Ben arose from his utter lack of opinions. In the pods, Ben admitted he didn’t vote in the 2020 election, stating, “I’ve tried to stay out of it.” While political burnout and taking breaks for mental health are valid, that’s not what Ben's comments signified. Sara’s attempts to discuss the pressing issues of our time (Black Lives Matter, religion, the vaccine) were met with indifference. Ben even acknowledged his “ignorance” regarding these topics. Sara pointed out that she wasn’t seeking a “right or wrong answer,” but Ben’s total apathy and unwillingness to engage made it impossible for her to move forward with the marriage.

      During the reunion, Ben revealed that his political indifference comes from a place of privilege. The problem is, in today’s political landscape, you can’t disguise your ignorance behind privilege. Failing to vote and refusing to stay informed is an irresponsible act that harms communities threatened by the current administration’s policies. Today, voting should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege. Just because you aren’t directly benefiting from or affected by a policy doesn’t mean others are safe. We owe it to those communities to show up at the polls and advocate for them.

      Thus, it's crucial to understand how your romantic partners vote.

      The fact that I didn't end my relationship over our differing values in 2016 will always bother me. But it’s a lesson I’ve learned from. Now, I trust my husband enough that he could submit my ballot for me (don’t worry, he doesn’t!). When it comes to your core values, don’t ignore them. If