They say opposites attract. When you’re in a relationship with someone and you have totally different interests, though, it can sometimes be hard to feel connected.

It’s one thing to just let your partner do what they want while you enjoy your own hobbies. But coming together and really finding a source of connection is essential for any strong relationship.

So, even if you aren’t interested in the same things, are there ways you can connect with your partner?

The answer, thankfully, is yes. Let’s take a look at a few different ways to make it happen.

Accept That You Are Different

Instead of trying to change what your partner likes, or forcing yourself to take an interest in it, sometimes it’s easier just to accept that you’re different. When you try to force yourself into liking things just for your partner’s sake, it can lead to resentment—even if you don’t realize it at the time.

By accepting the fact that you’re different (and that it’s one of the things you like about each other!), appreciating those different interests will be easier. It will also make the things you can enjoy together that much more exciting.

Try Something New Together

Chances are, you both had your own interests long before you met each other. So, why not find a completely new interest to develop together?

Take a class together, or sign up for some kind of interactive event. Don’t be afraid to try things that you would typically shy away from.

If you and your partner both end up liking something, you can make it a regular hobby or habit to stick with. It’s a great way to still have your own separate interests while preserving something special for yourselves as a couple.

Tell Your Partner Why You’re Passionate

If you don’t understand your partner’s interests and they don’t get yours, talk about them. Express why your interests mean so much to you, and why you’re so passionate about them.

If you’re really into art, tell your partner what it is about art that moves you and what you truly love about it. Ask them the same when it comes to something they really enjoy.

The more you get to know the underlying reasons for why your partner loves something so much, the easier it might be for you to appreciate it as well.

Make Compromises When You Can

Relationships are all about communication and compromise. When you want to connect with your partner, those two things need to be at the forefront of your relationship. While you don’t need to force yourself to be as passionate about your partner’s interests as they are, it is a good idea to at least give those interests a try.

When you participate or even pay attention to the things your partner likes, you’re showing them how much you care about them. By doing something that doesn’t particularly interest you, you can prove to your partner that it matters to you because it’s important to them. That goes a long way in building trust and intimacy in any relationship.

Opposites do often attract, and there’s nothing wrong with that in a relationship. Yet, it’s important to try to understand your partner’s interests, even if you don’t necessarily like them for yourself.

—

If you’re struggling to connect with your partner and you live in the East Bay area, feel free to contact me. Or, visit here [insert specialty page link] to learn more about how I can help.

Together, we can rely on other resources and tips you can use to be more in tune with your partner and build a stronger connection than ever before, despite having different interests.

comments

0