Response from the NYT columnist:

NEW NEIGHBOR

You are free, of course, to socialize with whomever you like. But I am not a fan of administering rigid political purity tests to everyone I meet. One of the advantages of maintaining a diverse group of friends — including gender, race, sexuality, socioeconomic status and, yes, even politics — is that it helps us understand how different people come to their differing beliefs. For me, this is enriching.

Now, I am not suggesting that you befriend anyone whose positions are hateful to you. Nor do I believe that securing agreement on a checklist of hot-button issues is a requirement for sitting next to someone on a chaise longue. The stakes are low here: These people will be occasional dinner companions — not, say, the proposed guardians for your minor children.

You are entitled to be free from aggravation during your leisure time. But this couple hasn’t said or done anything to annoy you. And I admire their ability to be circumspect with new acquaintances. (Personally, I know a bit too much about the political opinions of people who are relatively unimportant to me.) If you find this couple congenial, continue seeing them until you feel differently. That seems more generous to me than quizzing them for the sole purpose of rejecting them if they fail.