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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
Related Recs
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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
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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
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A straightforward answer to the question "why do some people sometimes like to connect over niche things, specifically," is that people sometimes feel lonely, they crave connection with other people, and one of the best ways to experience connection is to share a common interest. When the interest is niche, the feeling of connection is amplified.
Let me explain. Originally I enjoy a thing (good), but it's niche, so I enjoy it alone (bad). When I share it, I get connection (good), but I also get to enjoy it with someone, which means I no longer enjoy it alone (good). Basically, enjoying something niche specifically comes with the curse of loneliness, but the curse can be annihilated if I'm lucky enough to find someone else with the curse. On the other hand, enjoying something mainstream does not come with the curse of loneliness, but it also doesn't have the same potential energy as a niche thing.
I think some of your bitterness can be explained as follows. When you see people connect over niche things it can amplify your own loneliness, because they are sharing connection that you cannot participate in because you don't share the interest. The good news is that there are so many other ways of connecting besides sharing niche interests, and so it's ok that you don't share them. Also it feels good to share mainstream interests too! So connect with drake fans over your enjoyment of his music! And if you want to connect with someone who doesn't like drake, looks for other ways to connect! And if someone is toxic about your interests, avoid them!
Mar 10, 2025
Top Recs from @emmita
I cried like a baby the other day, and honestly I'm glad I did.
In my core class I was doing some research on my EE topic, mainly focusing on Marina Abramović since I'm obsessed with her work so obviously my essay is revolved around her.
Anyways,
Amidst my research I took in time to view a fuller extent of The Artist is Present'. I knew it was an all day things, how people lined up to view it and even how celebrities such as Alan Rickman and Bjork sat with Abramović. The main thing about this was to have a conversation without words and instead utilize eyes, expressions, and sighs.
I know there are photos and videos of people crying and such when meeting Abramović, but she wouldn't have any extreme reactions other then smiling or sometimes shedding a single tear. Moreover, she would not move her arms nor extend them to the person sitting across from her.
Ulay was a German performance artist who had a relationship with Abramović with twelve years and after mutually agreeing to separating, they decided to meet each other at the great wall of China. The two started at opposite ends and met at the middle which took three months, they hugged, and this act was called 'Lovers'.
I love artist lore especially when it's about two people who have history together in the same profession.
Anywho so one day while Abramović is seated with eyes shut, a guy takes a seat on front of her and when they lock eyes the two immediately becone teary eyed.
Because it's Ulay and their first time seeing each other in years.
They cry, laugh, smile, and for the first time extends her arms to hold Ulay's hands, to which he takes.
So yeah, seeing it made me bawl and it's overall such a powerful clip. I think everyone should watch it.
I think too that it encapsulates that despite growing far from a previous loved one, the emotions are still kept in tact waiting for a chance to sprout again.
Feb 20, 2025
I have always adored art ever since I was in preschool. I loved creating characters or even doing my own renditions on characters and movies.
I even took time during lockdown to work on my interest, putting in hours of learning anatomy and structure.
However for a while I've been in a slump of sorts, I've lost creativity and the fuel to continue.
It's been hard, especially since drawing and creating is something I've been putting effort to what seems like eons at this point. I even decided to just quit altogether and pursue something else as a dream career.
There had become a point where my boyfriend gave me a pep talk and to prove his point he had read me a book he wad reading for philosophy called 'The Republic';
"All great things are precarious... Beautiful things really are difficult" and in his own words told me -
"It occurs often throughout the text, anything that is easy will never be beautiful, for if it is easy it won't have the scars and marks of something built through struggle, those scars and marks are the cracks through which beautiful shines most brightly", which I think helped me.
For the past month in my art class I've been researching a style called 'Jugendstil' and got a bit of inspiration again. I want to show off what I made because I'm genuinely happy with my product since a hot minute.
Anyways moral of the story, don't beat yourself up if you don't find something about you or what you make up to your standards, because beautiful things take time.
Feb 27, 2025
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I can't describe the feeling whenever I watch one of these kinds of film. Dinner In America, Buffalo 66, Little Miss Sunshine, etc. I don't know exactly how to categorize them, but they give off a certain vibe.
The absurdity that happens is oddly comforting in ways I can't explain, but I enjoy them and the place they hold in my heart.
Feb 17, 2025