Politics and moral values are ruining relationships everyday, but the question is are they worth it? Yes, society today values discussions on all topics and the ability to think freely. With that ability, comes the ability to be outspoken about possibly controversial ideas, many of which that are sparking heated discussion within relationships.

These discussions are beginning to raise opposition within groups of tight knit friends based off topics such as politics, homosexuality, gun control, and even the death penalty. Certain relationships dictate on how much these should matter, if at all.

Being close friends to someone who has different values than you may not be the worst situation for the two people involved. Having differing ideas that can be discussed and moved along from is almost a vital part of having lasting and interesting friendships.

Yet, somehow these are the relationships most often destroyed by the topics at hand over the strength of their friendships. Some could say the stronger the relationship, the more work it takes to break it, so the less these issues seem to get in the way. Yet, those relationships must deal with those issues more. In an acquaintanceship, these issues may be discussed but never have to be fully dealt with, yet they still break because they are judged by their side of the argument alone.

Not to mention two people will not always be discussing controversial topics daily. Even if so, there are several times in which both parties will agree while a third might not because the world is gray. These gray areas can still make for an interesting friendship that can spark discussions now and again. “Personally, I enjoy discussing differing views between all of my friends, but if it ever gets too far we take a step back from the conversation” as Shannon Adler (11) states.  

Deeper relationships, like marriage, are somewhat valid in being affected by this change. If a husband and wife can not agree on the ideas of abortion or gun control, then that could possibly lead to a situation in which could end with the splitting of the relationship in a much more connected situation.

In that case the moral values each person have should be weighed before hand, but still should not be the end all be all depending on the circumstance. For issues such as abortion, yes two people looking for a deeper relationship would need to discuss the issues beforehand, yet issues around gun control may not be as pressing unless one party or the other is quiet opinionated on the subject.

Gun control, abstinence education, and abortion are all issues that vary more so depending on relationship to relationship; however, they should not make or break a relationship unless it pertains directly to the specific situation at hand.