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Do Common Interests Matter in a Relationship?
It’s no secret that having some shared interests can make it easier to form a connection with someone. But do common interests matter when creating a successful, long-term relationship? Let’s dive into the research and explore if having shared interests with your partner is necessary.
Research has shown that couples with common interests are likelier to stay together than those without. One study found that teams with similar interests were significantly less likely to break up than those without shared hobbies or activities. This makes sense — connecting with someone emotionally helps us develop a stronger bond and feel closer to them.
However, having common interests is just one piece of the puzzle when forming a successful relationship. Studies also show that couples who differ in their values, beliefs, and backgrounds are more likely to stay together in the long run than those who are too similar. In addition, having different perspectives allows couples to learn from each other and grow in ways they wouldn’t be able to if they only shared experiences and opinions.
Another critical factor for relationship success is open communication. Research has found that couples who talk openly about their feelings and emotions are more satisfied with their relationships than those who don’t communicate as effectively.
