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Recently, a new trend has generated a lot of attention on the political side of TikTok. Videos that follow this trend consist of people jokingly writing, “POV: You and your partner on your way to cancel out each other’s votes this November.” Though these videos attempt to make the topic light hearted and funny, they have opened up a broader conversation about the way relationships and politics interact.

Much like the past few elections this nation has experienced, this upcoming presidential race has a lot riding on it. Tensions between political parties have been at a monumental high since the 2016 election, and a plethora of human rights issues hang in the balance, waiting to be decided in the upcoming election.

In recent years, almost everyone in the United States has found themselves in a “We don’t talk about politics here” situation, whether it be at a family gathering or a social event aiming to keep the political tension to a minimum. However, now more than ever, it is necessary to discuss politics with the people in your life.

“Friendships and romantic relationships are primarily formed over common traits, interests and beliefs. So why is it so taboo to end such relationships when those traits drastically differ?”

The nature of politics today is heavily intertwined with morality. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum or which party you identify with, it can be difficult to foster relationships with people who have significant political and moral differences from you, and you shouldn’t have to.

The idea of ending relationships over political differences — romantic relationships, friendships or even familial connections — has become a rather taboo subject and has garnered a lot of online discourse in recent years. Some argue that politics is unimportant in relationships, and political differences are not enough of a reason to cut people out of your life. However, this is not always true.

For example, if you identify as a supporter of abortion rights and your romantic partner is anti-abortion, this is an issue that could have very real effects on your relationship in the event of a pregnancy.

Additionally, if you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, having friends who do not believe that you should be allowed to marry who you want or go to the bathroom where you feel comfortable can be extremely damaging to your mental health and overall sense of security and well-being.

This is not to say everyone should only exist in an echo chamber and refuse to listen to people with differing views, as political dialogue and debate can be incredibly productive. Political communication, much like communication in other aspects of one’s life, can promote positive changes and social growth.

However, if a friend of yours is set on voting against your rights or thinks facets of your very existence are morally wrong, there is no reason to continue to associate with them. No one should feel pressured to maintain a relationship with someone who votes in a way that could target their right to an autonomous existence.

Politics impacts so many areas of a person’s life, and the way they vote reflects their character and view of the world. Friendships and romantic relationships are primarily formed over common traits, interests and beliefs. So why is it so taboo to end such relationships when those traits drastically differ? In such a politically charged era, it is OK to take a step back from relationships that do not serve you.

Everyone deserves a secure network of relationships that build them up and honor their identities and beliefs, and if some relationships need to end to make that happen, there is no shame in that.

Reach Astrid Thorn at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.