He’s a steak and potatoes kind of guy and you are thinking of becoming a vegetarian. He likes road trips and you prefer air travel. He loves camping out under the stars and your idea of roughing it is a four-star hotel. Is this relationship doomed, or can opposites find happiness?
Obviously it depends upon the two people involved. If you have met your match on a dating website, and he was honest in his profile and you were honest in yours, the fact that you are drawn to each other might show some potential in this diverse match. If you both are open and willing to compromise, then why shouldn’t it work?
Being open to new things can be an exciting way to start a new relationship. You may think you don’t like camping, but have you really ever given it a chance? If the last time you went camping was when you were ten years old on a Girl Scout field trip, you may want to give it another shot. However, if you’re not the out-doorsy type, this may not be the guy for you. Be honest with yourself. If you absolutely cannot imagine sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag, even if Mr. Hot Stuff is there next to you, you should definitely think about moving on.
Opposite interests with couples can create total new perspectives, and an opportunity to try things you normally wouldn’t do. The sky is the limit as far as new things you can experience with your new online match. It can be as simple as trying a new food for the very first time, or something bolder, such as sky-diving or traveling to a different country.
The key is you have to want to try new things. If you go into a new experience kicking and screaming, merely to impress this new love of yours, you will end up being miserable. And so will he. Let’s face it, no couple agrees on everything. And would you really want to? That might feel good at first, but ultimately it would become very boring indeed. If you really want to allow this new person into your life, make a list of your boundaries. For example, make a list of his interests and rank them on a scale of what you would be willing to do, what you might consider doing, and what you absolutely refused to do no matter what.
This list will prove to be very helpful in determining compromising interests. Ask your new man to do the same. This way, you may actually find yourself racing across Alaska on an Adidorod training expedition, and he may be taking a class in chocolate-making. As long as you are honest, communicating openly in regards to the differences between you, you should have no trouble at all making things work.
Photo via sarahjane4kids
