When Kevin and I first got together, both of us were sort of apathetic about most things like that. We didn't end up forming stronger opinions until later on in college.
Kevin, who had previously given little thought to religion, now is firmly an atheist. He believes strongly in science and logic, and also that religion is stupid and that anyone who believes it is stupid. He doesn't understand how people could believe in any of it.
In politics, he also leans heavily toward being a libertarian. He isn't happy with either Republicans or Democrats, and is more interested in supporting a third party candidate if they match up with his views better. He is 24 and has never voted yet, but he sometimes lectures me about the importance of voting and "having a voice" for some reason. And sometimes he will also say the opposite. I don't really know what he's thinking because he changes his mind about it to whatever is more convenient.
I became atheist in college. I'm far more secure believing this way than I ever was as a Christian, but having grown up the way I did, I am fully capable of understanding how people can believe it. I do not hold religious beliefs against anyone, as long as they do not try to shove it in my face or cause anyone else harm due to their beliefs. I believe very strongly in keeping an open mind while still being logical when deciding what I do or don't believe. I have accepted that as a human being, I do not know exactly how the world works or all of what exists within it. Our senses and knowledge are so limited compared to the world outside, I think it's foolish to refuse to listen to people who believe something different than you. You never know if they might actually be right.
In politics, I also am more libertarian, but largely am still pretty apathetic about all of it. I hate the whole politics game, and really don't care to be involved in it. All politicians are crazy. Even if there is a decent one every once in a while, they're usually not one of the two major party members. If I don't want to vote, I believe that it is my right to choose not to. However, there are certain issues I believe strongly about. Women's rights, LGBT rights, preserving wildlife, and making health care available to everyone. This year is the first time I've ever felt like voting, simply because Mitt Romney is batshit crazy and wants to set women and LGBT rights backward by 50 years pretty much.
I think most of the arguments between me and Kevin come down to the fact that Kevin is far less empathetic than I am. His dad raised him to believe strongly in America and white people and such things. He was raised to be racist and make fun of those who are unlike him. I think he turned out fairly well, despite that, because he is less racist than his dad, but I definitely still see it in him sometimes.
My dad raised me to be caring and accepting of everyone, pretty much. My mother taught me to be afraid of black people and people with tattoos, but those are fears that I have long been fighting to turn around. I recognize that there tends to be something worthwhile in everyone. Everyone has been through different life experiences to make them who they are. Everything is relative. What seems true to one person may not seem true to another person. If you were in their shoes, you might have ended up believing in the same things. You never know.
And that's why we argue. I just want Kevin to have an open mind. That even though you know what you believe, it doesn't hurt to just genuinely listen to other opinions sometimes. That it's okay to talk about opinions without the intention of changing your mind or the other person's. Part of being human is learning about what else is out there, and being free to learn and believe in what you want. Above all else, I believe in everyone treating all opinions and human beings with respect.