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Little is known of the role played by private interpersonal relationships in politicization and the expression of political preferences and choices. The aim of this article is to improve understanding of “private citizens” and “personal politicization” through a study of ideological similarities and divergences within the private circles of family and friends. Drawing on findings from the Famille, amour et politique survey [Family, love and politics], an original quantitative survey representative of the French population and conducted by the CEVIPOF Centre for Political Research, the article examines filiation, conjugality and friendship, bringing to light interactions and transactions between two systems: norms and affective ties. Families of origin appear relatively heterogamous in matters of politics, while couples and friendship circles are more homogamous. However, the individual’s level of politicization proves the strongest determining factor. Having a strong political affiliation, particularly with the left, and a strong interest in politics always reinforces intra-circle political homogamy in terms of both principles and actual life situations. At a more general level, the article suggests avenues for reflecting on private life as an experimental terrain for democratic pluralism.