To say the 2016 election cycle has been “dramatic” and “heated” is the understatement of the century. The intensity of this election cycle has provided a lot of food for thought, allowing us to reflect on what we stand for as humans, as Americans and what kind of country we want to build going forward. But, as someone who writes about love and romance, I can’t help but see the parallels between the current election cycle and online dating.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a few things that American politics in 2016 and online dating have in common.

1. It comes down to making important choices.

Both politics and dating are rooted in democracy. You’re going to see a lot of options. You’ll like some of these options (“she lists justice reform as one of her interests…hooray!”) and you’ll probably hate some of them too (“Ugh, that guy is into “building walls?” What does that even mean?!”) but it all comes down to choosing the best person for the job. Sometimes it may feel like you’re trying to choose the lesser of two (or two hundred) evils, but the important thing to keep in mind is that your choice matters and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Think about your future. Would you want to spend time with this person? Do they embody your values? Don’t just vote someone into your life because they might be entertaining in the short term – for example, because their hair defies logic/gravity and you’re kind of curious to see what they do next.  Choose the person you think can make you happy long term.

2. You’re not going to agree with every candidate’s platform.

Like politics, online dating brings together people from all over the country with different values, beliefs and political views – and in the case of the 2016 election, they don’t always get along. In fact, sometimes certain “candidates” views clash with your own. When this happens you just have to take a deep breath and move on with the knowledge that you’re capable of making the best choice for your future.

3. There’s always that one guy that makes you feel really, really uncomfortable.

Maybe he’s totally racist, misogynist and hate filled. Maybe he’s totally creepy and keeps sending you messages that insist that you go out with him – even though you’ve tried to block him. Maybe he writes stuff like “I’D DATE MY DAUGHTER IF I COULD”  in his profile and you’re just like, “UGH, GROSS DUDE!” Whatever it is, there’s always that one person that makes you feel really uneasy because they’re a total creepazoid. You try to block them out of your psyche, but it’s hard.

4. A good platform may not translate well in reality.

You may have a total heart-on for that passionate, social justice loving dude who kind of reminds you of your grandpa (in the best way possible), but their lack of dating experience might not make them the best candidate for the kind of relationship you’re looking for. Just because someone is a good person, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right person.

5. There’s always one ego that screams the loudest.

You know who I’m talking about. He’s the guy that’s tanned the color of a Cheeto and wants to remind you that  “BEAUTIFUL WOMEN FLOCK TO ME.” The worst part? He won’t leave you alone. He continually messages you to let you know that “I AND I ALONE CAN MAKE DATING GREAT AGAIN.” Anyone who makes these singular, grandiose promises should not be trusted.

6. People lie.

“Stretching the truth” is normal. Whether they’re lying about their age, marital status, income, the origin of their online dating profile (“this profile looks exactly like Michelle’s profile she used back in 2008!”) or making up imaginary people altogether (“My friend Colin wrote my profile for me! He’s totally a real person because he has a Facebook page with three friends – one of which is me.”) – sadly, not everyone is honest. It’s important that you use your common sense and think critically. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.