The Joy of Connection, Sharing Your Interests

Sharing your interests is not just about exchanging facts; it is about letting someone see your inner world, building a connection, and bringing joy into your relationship. When you open up about what brings you happiness, whether it is birdwatching, crafting, writing, or stamp collecting, you give your partner a partial view into your soul. When she/he responds warmly to that invitation, your relationship moves beyond just being together; it turns into a journey of shared discovery.

One of the sweetest parts of dating and early marriage is discovering what makes your partner happy: passions, hobbies, and dreams. These moments feel like finding hidden treasures that show who your partner really is. You can see her/his excitement in eyes when talking about a childhood dream, or feel the calm of doing something simple together that is important to one of you.

For Christian couples, this sharing is a special way to celebrate God’s unique design in each person. It deepens intimacy and strengthens the bond that marriage requires. God made each person with different tastes, interests, and skills. In marriage, these differences are not meant to divide; instead, they should complement and enrich your relationship. Sharing your interests is an act of vulnerability, celebration, and unity.

Why Sharing Interests Matters?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one… For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” This verse highlights why shared interests are important in marriage. They create connections, especially in times of weakness, loneliness, or fatigue. Shared interests often lead to encouragement and growth, offering both emotional support and practical help. By sharing what you love, you:

1. Reveal meaningful parts of yourself. It is not just about what you do; it is about what makes you feel alive.
2. Create joyful moments of togetherness. Whether you are cooking together or enjoying a sunset on a nature walk, these experiences leave lasting memories.
3. Build respect and admiration for each other. Watching your partner’s commitment to her/his passion helps you appreciate her/his effort and creativity.
4. Establish the groundwork for future shared experiences. These small moments can grow into strong abilities. Sometimes, interests become legacies, transmitted to children, shared with friends, or used to help the church or community.

How to Share Your Interests Well?

Sharing interests requires more than just talking about them. It takes sensitivity, openness, and mutual respect. Here is how to do it meaningfully:

1. Be Genuine: Talk passionately about what excites you, whether it is painting, travelling, cooking, or volunteering. Do not tone down your enthusiasm to fit in. Being authentic draws people in so that your passion can be spread easily. When your partner sees your excitement, she she/he will likely engage with you, even if it is something new to her/him.

2. Invite Participation: Encourage your partner to join you in your hobbies, but without pressure. Offer a warm invitation like “I love travelling; would you like to try it sometime?” Or, “I am making a new dish; would you like to help?” Create a space where participation is encouraged, not forced. Even simple gestures, like having her/him sit beside you while you paint, can create a connection.

3. Show Interest in her/his Passions: Ask genuine questions and attend events with her/him. Celebrate her/his talents. If your partner enjoys poetry, listen when she/he reads. If she/he loves gardening, walk with him/her through her/his garden and ask about each plant. These small acts show that you care about what matters to him/her.

4. Use Interests to Pray Together: If your partner cares about a cause or ministry, pray with her/him about it. If she/he dreams of starting a nonprofit, pray for new opportunities. If she/he loves art, pray for inspiration. This merges your passions with your spiritual life, reminding you that every good gift comes from God and can be used for her/his glory.

Balancing Differences

It is normal to have different interests. Not every couple will enjoy the same books, sports, or social settings, and that is perfectly fine. Instead of seeing these differences as barriers, view them as chances to grow and appreciate each other’s individuality. For example, one partner might like solitude and writing in diaries, while the other prefers lively group activities. Honoring these differences adds depth to a relationship. Differences teach patience, selflessness, and the value of compromise. What matters most is not similarity but mutual appreciation.

A Story Joy and Michael

Joy loved music and played the piano while Michael was passionate about soccer. Early in their relationship, they made time for each other’s interests. Joy cheered for Michael at his games, even when she did not fully understand the rules. In return, Michael learned to play a simple tune on the piano, eager to share in Joy’s world. These shared moments became treasured memories.

They laughed, encouraged each other, and learned more about each other’s backgrounds. Their willingness to step into each other’s passions brought them closer, even when their daily routines were different. Over time, they found a rhythm, not perfect harmony, but a meaningful connection. They enjoyed blending their differences, which made their love grow deeper.

Sharing your interests is like offering pieces of your heart. Through these shared joys and discoveries, a couple’s story becomes richer, laughter louder, and their love deeper, all under God’s guidance. Let every interest shared, every story told, and every hobby explored together be a step towards greater intimacy. In God’s plan, even small joys can become lifelong blessings when shared with love.