Political compatibility as a factor in marriage

September 4, 2024

NEW DELHI – Whether it is an arranged marriage organized through traditional matchmakers or a Western-style wedding planned by the couple themselves after multiple dates and perhaps a period of cohabitation, the basic purpose is the same. It is to find out if there is enough compatibility between the partners to enable them to live a long, peaceful if not a happy married life. There are many areas where compatibility is important, but perhaps the three most important ones are intellectual, emotional and physical; a marriage is after all a union of heart, brain and body.

Financial parity is a close fourth, but a wealthier partner can share the bigger burden of family expenses, and it is easy for a poor person to get used to a good life. Religious differences can sometimes be a dealbreaker, but it is not uncommon for people to convert into a would-be spouse’s religion to make sure there are no issues. Then there are other areas such as common interests and cultural customs, but they seem to be manageable or tolerable. A new area of incompatibility has emerged in recent years, especially in the US which might be termed “political incompatibility”. It started once Donald Trump became the US president; shockingly and surprisingly it has split the country into two. It is not just the difference in ideology and policies of the Democrats and Republicans; it is an intolerance of everything about the other party and its members. The looks, voices, speeches and comments, non-verbal gestures and even unspoken words of the leaders are critically analysed and spread through social media.

Trump has been described by the liberals as “fascist”, “racist”, “white supremacist”, “Hitler-type dictator”, “liar”,