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The United States is a highly politically charged country where many couples find themselves in romantic relationships with partners who have opposing political views. 

According to a study by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign communication professor Emily Van Duyn, couples with differing political perspectives face unique challenges in making seemingly mundane decisions about media consumption. These decisions become especially difficult due to the cross-cutting nature of their political views, presenting a choice about recognizing and navigating their differences.

Van Duyn's study found that news consumption is perceived as inherently political by these couples. The choice of a news outlet or the act of sharing an article could become a deliberate acknowledgment of their political disparities. This intentional sharing of news often triggers conflicts and discussions that may not have otherwise emerged.

Negotiated exposure

The process of negotiating news consumption, termed "negotiated exposure" by Van Duyn, plays out across both public-facing and private media. This process and the resulting interpersonal conflicts often reinforce each other, impacting the dynamics of the relationship. 

News-driven conflicts prompt individuals to control their exposure, revealing the intricate link between news and relationships in today's democracies. Couples deploy diverse strategies for managing political disparities, ranging from shared media viewing to independent consumption. The timing of political differences influences how partners navigate news choices, impacting both exposure and political identity negotiations. Some couples, facing emotional tolls and conflicts, opt to entirely avoid the news to preserve mental well-being and emotional intimacy.

How to cope with differences in political views in a relationship

Coping with political differences in a romantic relationship requires open communication and understanding. Relationship therapist Anita A. Chlipala suggests establishing common ground through honest discussions and respectful questioning. 

When a partner's views evolve, focus on understanding and prioritizing honesty and vulnerability. If political beliefs become detrimental, evaluate if the relationship can withstand differences. Chlipala advises seeking therapy for a neutral space to address challenges and learn tools for navigating the complexities of differing political perspectives.