by your ask it seems that you had a few share of bad experiences with people with so called niche interests, and though there are assholes everywhere I do recommend having a few friends with very specific interests.
Something I like to keep in mind is that my interests are not fixed, in fact in most cases it's something that it's shared and developed among a community of people. i've introduced my friends to some of their favorite music, and there are tv series I've only watched because my mom suggested to.
I'm not a film buff by far, and I have met a lot of annoying ones, but some of my most beloved friends are really into films, and dedicate a good time of their lives to their hooby. I love listening to them talk, and learn about the effort they go through to watch a specific movie, sometimes they have to test lots of torrents or find a physical copy in most random place in the world. Lucky for me, because of them I don't have to commint the same energy, they share their drives with me, invite me to festivals I had no ideia existed etc. I don't like nor watch everything, but it's so nice when we leave a movie theatre and exchange our different perspectives.
All of this to say that you don't have to prove yourself when it comes to your interests because all knowledge is shared, the world is yours to discover at your own pace with the people you enjoy the most.
Feb 11, 2025
Related Recs
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Stay tapped out but be really enthusiastic about pursuing shared experiences with your friends even when they’re not really your thing. Your pals get to experience the joy of introducing you to new shit, you get to try new stuff without the work of cultivating 100 esoteric interests, and when it’s your turn to get into something niche (I guarantee there’s at least 1 thing you’re kind of a freak about) there will be people around to reciprocate
It’s fun as long as no one’s an asshole about it :)
Feb 11, 2025
I think it's really cool to have a connection with someone who has completely different interests as you, it's something that keeps you separate and not too close to where your only personality trait is each other. That isn't to say that each party needs to have opposing hobbies, its just nice not to have everything in common. I think too it's what makes relationships not boring, something that leaves a little spark.
For example, my boyfriend is a bit of a nerd (in the most endearing way possible) who likes planes, boats, and star wars, I have been subjected to many 'Did you know?' facts, sister ships, and Skywalker lore. Me on the other hand have a love for cute figurines/collectables, whatever drama is scouring the internet, and reality TV so it's obvious I in turn inform my boyfriend of Sammi and Ron, the newest addition to my collections, and Trisha Paytas' new baby being the pope.
You never know when you have to explain why the F-22 works better than some other fighters, or when you're going to have to understand an TLC reference.
Vent out to your significant other why such a hobby interests you, how a certain something grapples your attention compared to others, that your interest surpasses niche or whatnot. It's okay to not have everything in common, it keeps things alive and leaves a sense of intrigue. Don't get lost in your relationship and lose who you are, you have a soul and heart that sets you apart from the rest.
May 6, 2025
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When I was 14 I definitely started listening to metal/extreme music and watching horror/extreme cinema to impress ppl I liked (30 year olds on WoW - we can unpack that later), however I think that as long as you take a minute to be reflective and think like do I like this for me or do I like this for someone else, it's OK to be niche (and it is absolutely funny to be like, oh yes I'm a purveyor of fine japanese dungeon synth when ppl ask what you're into). Consider niche interests the result of exploration of oneself!
Feb 11, 2025
Top Recs from @nanabo
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One of the things I like the most about Pi.fyi and the current scale of users is that it's still noticeable when a rec was inspired by another.
Sometimes the rec directly mentions the other, but other times you can kinda assume that reading an especific thing here triggered a memory or an ideia.
It's very cute and interesting to notice the small influences interacting with other humans online can have.
Feb 11, 2025
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UbuWeb - archive for video, text and sound, all avant gard art
Marxists.org - archive for marxist texts
CrimethInc - archive for anarchist publications and news
Aeon - magazine on philosophy and science
Eye on Design - magazine on design news
Failed Architecture - magazine on critical architecture and urbanism
LitHub - literary magazine
Anna's Archive - love of my life ♥️
A terra é redonda - magazine of art and politics
Passa palavra - news and articles on Brazillian politics
Digilabour - news and articles about gig economy and surveillance capitalism
Jan 3, 2025
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Hold up, I gotta check my inventory for advill.
Feb 5, 2025