Friendship is valuable. Many people seek friends to be there for them through life’s best and worst parts. During a heated political season, many people feel they have no choice but to cut contact with family and friends. Friendships and relationships wither away for countless reasons. Political differences are a valid justification to end connections if they lead to a breakdown in respect and shared values.
In a 2021 study, 77.4% of people unfriended someone on social media because they posted something they disagreed with and 67.4% blocked someone at least once. Romantic relationships and family make this even more complicated, as political differences can threaten the trust and foundation of these closer connections. Distancing yourself or ending a friendship over political differences is understandable, rational and important for maintaining personal values and emotional well-being.
Recent Partisan Divide
Politics have grown more polarized, with the average opinion reflecting deep moral divides over issues surrounding human rights. Gun rights have turned into gun deaths, immigration issues have turned into mass deportations and abortion rights have turned into “murder,” even in instances of rape or incest. This polarization has transformed politics into something far beyond “just politics.” Presidential candidates represent very polarized morals. Voting one way or another reflects agreement with a candidate’s ideals.
If someone respects fundamental human rights but differs on less critical issues, such as tax policy, friendship is still possible. Voting for a candidate who disregards human rights or undermines democracy reveals an alignment with their flawed morals. This makes continued friendship impossible. A vote is a moral declaration. It exposes a person’s values and their willingness to support, or oppose, justice, equality and integrity.
Dynamics in Friendship
Looking at relationship dynamics is crucial when debating whether to unfriend or break up with someone. Romantic relationships present a more complicated challenge as partners often share deeper emotional bonds, values and long-term goals. Currently, only 21% of marriages are politically mixed.
The significance of political alignment is crucial in forming and maintaining lasting partnerships. This is not to say that differing political opinions are always hopeless, but they can produce unique stresses that challenge the relationship’s foundation. Political opinions are deeply personal, as they often reflect one’s core values, beliefs about society and visions for the future. When two people hold drastically different views, it creates tension, particularly when issues like human rights, social justice or economic policy are at stake. In romantic relationships, shared values and respect are fundamental, making political disagreements challenging. In these cases, distancing yourself or even ending the relationship may be necessary for protecting your emotional well-being and staying true to your own beliefs.
Now What?
At the end of the day, if a friendship or relationship causes unnecessary and painful conflict due to strong disagreements about deeply held beliefs, there is no point in keeping that person in your life. The relationship no longer brings joy. In times like these, surround yourself with those who uplift and align with your values. Hope thrives in supportive, like-minded communities. When a relationship becomes defined by painful conflict over core beliefs, it’s time to walk away.
Parents, families and even siblings often sever ties when a child comes out as LGBTQ+, driven by deep-rooted prejudices. This rejection isn’t about a loss of joy in the relationship, but about the rigid beliefs regarding identity. Ending a friendship or partnership is more justifiable when the issues extend beyond personal identity and into core values.
In theory, whether political opinions should end friendships seems like a simple yes or no question, but the reality is more complicated. The increasing polarization in politics has turned what were once policy disagreements into moral battlegrounds, making it harder to reconcile differing views. While it is possible for friendships and romantic relationships to experience political disagreements, the emotional strain often outweighs any benefits.
Ultimately, it’s important to recognize when a relationship no longer brings joy or mutual respect. With deep connections, the stakes are higher, as moral alignment becomes essential for a healthy, lasting bond.
Finding joy during difficult times is hard. Having friendships and relationships that bring turmoil and despair more than joy is even harder. If your morals and political views are fundamentally opposed, there’s no foundation for true friendship, only conflict that undermines your values and peace of mind.
