Eamonn,
RE: your comments. I think that what you say is essentially correct. I also think it's good that you allow them to challenge your own held beliefs. Challenging those beliefs is good as it affirms why they are held beliefs in the first place.
I think it's great when you can date someone and have them open you up to new ideas and ways of thinking. Often I find myself in just this sort of relationship, one I can learn about myself and learn about them too.
Mellow