ReverendSpooky wrote: I never really get people who are in relationships that don't share some common interest, or at least understanding and respect, especially for an interest that's a big part of your life. Having at least an interest or curiosity in your interests seems like a bare minimum litmus test for people in your life...
Indeed, Spooks, it sounds like you’re referring to the concept of compatibility…
I suppose that some might argue that there is a difference between the romantic and the platonic, and that no such litmus test exists for either, necessarily. In terms of behavior, I have to believe that if two are to get along, they must ultimately find and share some common ground; but that may be as specific as is required for any sort of positive relationship.
I’d say the more important factor (and one which you’d also mentioned) is an open understanding of one another as individuals with our own distinctive qualities, interests and idiosyncrasies - that which makes us unique unto ourselves; sincere appreciation for one another as equals but perhaps quite different by way of specific characteristics is essential for any sort of mutuality or reciprocity of respect - be it friendship or romance...
We don’t have to enjoy the same things; we only need to respect each other enough to understand that each of us will justly have our own, quite simply.