PALM DESERT, Calif., Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Lately, the upcoming election is permeating every aspect of American life. Not surprisingly it has become a topic of discussion in the dating world as well. How important is it for you and your significant other to share similar political views? Could opposing views impact a relationship? Recently, It's Just Lunch ( http://www.ItsJustLunch.com), the world's leading matchmaking authority, began conducting its own poll on the 2008 Election to determine how political beliefs are playing a part in dating today. The results are rather surprising, and reflect the significance politics has on dating.
The dating experts at It's Just Lunch began their poll in September 2008 with eight questions, addressing the importance of politics and dating. To date, over 3,000 respondents have made their voices heard, with male and female votes differing more than once. The polling results clearly indicate the mindset that it's fundamentally more important a date takes an active part in understanding the issues and voting rather than whether they agree or disagree on choice.
"Having an interesting and engaging conversation on a first date, or any date for that matter, is vital to the success of a relationship. These days the election is such a topic of interest and discussion that we wanted to find out what part it played with singles in the dating process," said Irene LaCota, president of It's Just Lunch, International, LLC. "This poll gives a good snapshot into single Americans and how they view politics as a determining factor when choosing a mate, or at least a second date."
The following are results from the It's Just Lunch poll.
1. How important is your date's political affiliation?
Overall Male Response Female Response
Somewhat Important 40% 34% 44%
Somewhat Unimportant 23% 25% 22%
Not Important 27% 34% 22%
Very Important 10% 7% 12%
2. Would you date someone who supports an opposing political party?
Yes 63% 70% 58%
Maybe 29% 24% 33%
No 8% 6% 9%
3. If your date asked about the upcoming election, would you be
comfortable responding?
Yes 87% 91% 85%
No 13% 9% 15%
4. At what time do you believe it's appropriate to discuss politics
on a date?
On the third date 40% 38% 40%
On the first date 33% 37% 32%
On the fifth date 17% 15% 19%
Only when in a
committed relationship 10% 10% 9%
5. How important is it to you that your date be knowledgeable of the
issues concerning the upcoming election?
Somewhat Important 57% 55% 58%
Very Important 17% 11% 20%
Not Important 11% 15% 9%
Somewhat Unimportant 15% 19% 13%
6. If you had plans for a date and found the only time you would be able
to vote would be when you are scheduled to meet, would you cancel your
date in order to vote?
Yes 14% 13% 15%
No 13% 21% 8%
I would see if we could
meet later if I was able
to finish voting in a
reasonable amount of time 73% 66% 77%
7. How would you feel if your date cancelled or rescheduled a date with
you so that he/she could vote?
I would understand and
respect the individual
for exercising this right 67% 69% 67%
I would be completely
annoyed and would have
no further interest in
dating this person 4% 3% 3%
I would be disappointed
and hope we could
reschedule 29% 28% 30%
8. You meet your date, there is a definite physical attraction and
chemistry BUT you learn your date supports a different party. Would
that deter you from going on a second?
Yes 11% 11% 11%
No 89% 89% 89%
About It's Just Lunch
Founded in 1991, It's Just Lunch has put itself on the map with over 100 locations worldwide, placing single professionals in comfortable and fun dating environments. It's Just Lunch has arranged hundreds of thousands of fun first dates over lunch or drinks after work. Clients of It's Just Lunch (IJL) receive confidential interviews with IJL staff members so they can be matched with like-minded individuals. For more information visit http://www.ItsJustLunch.com.
