Lovehoney Survey: Politics is a Major Dealbreaker in UK Dating
A new survey by Lovehoney reveals that political views are playing an increasingly important role in dating decisions among Brits. Only 25% of respondents said they would definitely date someone with different political opinions, while 19% said they definitely or probably would not, and 13% remained undecided.
The survey of over 2,000 people highlighted clear gender differences. Men appeared more open to dating across the political divide, with 31% saying they would definitely do so compared to just 19% of women. Overall, 75% of men showed some level of openness, versus 62% of women. Only 2% of men said they would definitely not date someone with opposing views.
Generational gaps were also evident. Gen Z (18–24) proved the least flexible, with only 14% saying they would definitely date someone with different politics. Gen Z women were the most cautious group, with just 13% open and 26% saying they would definitely not. In contrast, older generations showed more willingness to separate politics from personal compatibility. Among those aged 55–64, 33% said they would definitely date across the divide.
Regional differences emerged as well. The East of England was the most open (33% definitely yes), followed by Wales (32%). London and the East Midlands were the least open, with only 20–22% saying they would definitely date someone with opposing views.
Sexual orientation also influenced responses. Homosexual respondents showed slightly higher openness (28% definitely yes) but also the strongest opposition (7% definitely not). Bisexual respondents were the least likely to say they would definitely date across political lines (17%).
Lovehoney’s sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight noted that for many people, especially women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, political views reflect core values, morals, and real-world impacts on safety and rights. Aligned values and ideologies are becoming far more important than previous generations, especially regarding topics that involve the rights of others.
