For many of those in relationships, having a partner that they can share their interests and hobbies with is a matter of importance. What you like to do in your spare time is often a big part of your life, and sharing that with the one you love can be a great bonding exercise. There is a reason people insist on putting pictures of them enjoying their favorite pastimes on dating apps.

However, finding somebody who loves the exact same stuff that you do isn’t all cute dates and dream compatibility. Sometimes, it can wind up being a source of conflict when you have different perspectives on a hobby, or one of you is more dedicated to it than the other. If other parts of the relationship aren’t as solid as your shared interests, disagreements can arise and make things more difficult. There are many layers to any relationship, and your free time is only one of them.