Brexit preference ‘first question to ask on first date’
Behavioural psychologists say opposing political views can cause relationships to fail

Finding out which way your prospective partner voted in the Brexit referendum could help to predict the success of your relationship, behavioural psychologists have claimed.
Working on behalf of the dating website eharmony, academics from the University of Liverpool analysed the factors that make or break relationships, and came up with questions designed to identify values and key personality traits.
“From Brexit to money, several of the suggested topics are often seen as taboo, but can actually be a great way to break the ice,” says the Daily Mirror.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“How did you vote on Brexit?” came out top, with Dr Eric Robinson, a reader in psychological science, saying although the question may spark fireworks it is worth finding out early to avoid a shock down the line. “Our political views communicate our wider social values and worldview,” he said. “Research also suggests that opposing political views can cause relationships to fail”.
The issue is most prominent amongst younger generations with reports showing 22% of millennial couples having broken up with someone over political differences.
“Discussing the economy, green issues and foreign policy can also help build a clearer picture of someone’s intellect and levels of altruism” says The Daily Telegraph.
However, asking someone how they voted on Brexit on a first date “could also lead to trouble”, Rachael Lloyd, a spokesperson for eharmony, told the Daily Mail. “Our research suggests that the Brexit vote led to 1.6 million Brits either breaking up with a partner or choosing not to progress things with a fresh romantic interest,” she said.
Almost one in six people polled said the Brexit saga had put a strain on relationships with friends, relatives and colleagues.
In 2017, an app called Hater offered people the chance to match up according to what they can’t stand. Soon after its launch, Tatler reported that 88% of users paired off according to their mutual loathing for Leave or Remain.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
France and Indonesia promote a contentious bid for an Israel-Palestine two-state solution
Talking Points Both countries have said a two-state solution is the way to end the Middle East conflict
-
Film reviews: Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, and Final Destination: Bloodlines
Feature Tom Cruise risks life and limb to entertain us, a young girl befriends a destructive alien, and death stalks a family that resets fate's toll.
-
Music reviews: Morgan Wallen and Kali Uchis
Feature "I'm the Problem" and "Sincerely"
-
Angela Rayner: Labour's next leader?
Today's Big Question A leaked memo has sparked speculation that the deputy PM is positioning herself as the left-of-centre alternative to Keir Starmer
-
Brexit 'reset' deal: how will it work?
In Depth Keir Stamer says the deal is a 'win-win', but he faces claims that he has 'surrendered' to Brussels on fishing rights
-
Are we entering the post-Brexit era?
Today's Big Question Keir Starmer's 'big bet' with his EU reset deal is that 'nobody really cares' about Brexit any more
-
Is Starmer's plan to send migrants overseas Rwanda 2.0?
Today's Big Question Failed asylum seekers could be removed to Balkan nations under new government plans
-
Can Starmer sell himself as the 'tough on immigration' PM?
Today's Big Question Former human rights lawyer 'now needs to own the change – not just mouth the slogans' to win over a sceptical public
-
Has Starmer put Britain back on the world stage?
Talking Point UK takes leading role in Europe on Ukraine and Starmer praised as credible 'bridge' with the US under Trump
-
Left on read: Labour's WhatsApp dilemma
Talking Point Andrew Gwynne has been sacked as health minister over messages posted in a Labour WhatsApp group
-
New Year's Honours: why the controversy?
Today's Big Question London Mayor Sadiq Khan and England men's football manager Gareth Southgate have both received a knighthood despite debatable records