Shared Interests

Often part of the reason you fall for someone is because they are interested in the same things as you. If they aren’t though, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. By expanding your horizons or discovering new interests together, you can find a whole new world out there.

Common People

You are much more likely to strike up a conversation with someone if you know they have something in common with you. Whether it is working at the same company, a passion for travel or both coming form the same village, it automatically gives you something to bond over. Sharing interests is a great way to get to know each other and to have fun as a couple. Both being mad about snowboarding isn’t enough to sustain a relationship though. You may have loads of fun with the other person but unless you can develop trust, intimacy and a strong bond then you are better off just being friends.

Poles Apart

You have heard the saying ‘opposites attract’ and often, as much as it doesn’t seem to make sense, it’s true. Perhaps you are mad about fashion and love to shop while they are an avid bookworm. Or maybe you are mad for extreme sports and they would rather concentrate on their stamp collecting. There are many couples out there that on paper would never work yet somehow they do. If this is you though, you need to learn to embrace or at least accept your partner’s interests. Stamp collecting may not be you thing but by trying to understand it you are showing your partner that they are important to you and you want to share their life. Even if you can’t get passionate about your partner’s interest, indulge them by agreeing to have a go, or asking them about it. It is important that you accept your partner for who they are and there interests come as part of that package.

Are You Interested?

The best way to have shared interests is to create them yourself. By discovering something new together you can bond and grow as a couple. Picking something that is slightly outside both of your comfort zones will mean that one person doesn’t feel left out and you will be able to support and encourage each other. This doesn’t mean that you need to forget your other interests, but while that is something personal to you, this can be a joint adventure. Even if you already have a lot of shared interests it is always good to push yourselves and try something new. Getting stuck in a rut can make your relationship boring and predictable so spice it up a bit. You never know, it may become your new favourite thing to do and stamp collecting will become a thing of the past.

Shared interests are important to a relationship but not vital. As long as you are willing to accept, understand and indulge your partner’s passions then it can just make you a more dynamic couple. As long as you have shared values and goals, interests can come and go.