How Important Are Common Interests
I love camping. If I had it my way, I’d be camping every weekend during the summer. I could sit by a fire unshowered for days. A few years ago, I was dating a guy who didn’t like camping. In the initial stages of our relationship, I considered ending it because of his distaste for camping. I figured that if I loved it so much, the person I’m with should love it too. Everyone always says you should have common interests right?
I think that holds true if you truly share your life with someone…like if you have the exact same life.
I have 55746796 friends, all of whom have different interests from each other. If I feel like doing something, I know I will be able to find the right friend to do it with. And I’m so not the type of person who would spend 100% of my time with a boyfriend. So why do I care what someone I date is interested in?
It turns out I rarely go camping, so I guess it’s not super important for a suitor to love camping anymore, so I tried to think of what interests I absolutely want to share with someone. The only one I could really think of was going out to dinner. I love going to datey-restaurants. Other than that, I can get all my excitement from my friends.
I think that the most important common interest should be me. As long as he loves being with me, I don’t care what we do together.
Is there any particular interest you expect someone you date to have?
July 27th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Hmm….. A common interest for me would have to be keeping up on world events. We often debate and discuss the events in the news. Makes for good conversation.
I have finally convinced him to start coming to my gym. This is a huge step, I love the gym and would spend every day there if I could, but he does not. His sister’s wedding in a few weeks has prompted him to go. This is a good thing.
Other than that, nothing really needs to be the same. In many ways we are polar opposites. I am a morning person, he is a night owl. I love taking super long walks, he complains after 15 minutes. I like reading, he likes the tv to be on. I like gardening, he likes building things. But the important thing is that we compliment each other and care about the other’s feelings.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I used to say that I’d need someone who works out as much as me, but then I realized most men that do are retarded.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I would agree if he were doing the marathon training with me. Only a glutton for punishement does that. However, I am happy that he is going to the gym. I would love to say that he lasts as long as I do there, but I get a little “can we go now” just when I am getting into my routine. Oh well, with any luck he will start to like it even more!
July 27th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I guess for me I just care that he’s into a healthy lifestyle…but I don’t care so much how much he actually works out. As long as he has a wicked body I guess.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
The new guy I’m in a relationship with is actually getting into a healthier lifestyle and working on losing weight. He’s even more geeky than me, and thinks it’s extremely hot how much of a geek I am. He’s made reservations for us tomorrow night at the nicest place in town so we can dress up to go out. He loves spoiling me and seeing me…a lot. We have so much in common and he’s so smart… This could be the best match of my life so far! I’m very surprised and glad I gave him a chance. I would blog about it, but he’s already threatened to read it so…sorry to smother your blog with this info. I even have him hooked on Dave Matthews Band and he’s getting us tix to the KC concert in September! We’re staying with his sister over night so it should be a great time.
I think having similar interests is extremely important…just as long as I still have my “me” time during the week. He’ll be off vacation Saturday so that should start leveling out a bit. I’m really glad he’s into going to a live DMB concert…that is a huge plus in my book. :D
July 30th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Great to hear about your new relationship! You’ll have to keep us updated! Next time you comment, put your blog url in the field for it so my readers can easily link to you.