Joni and I are a bit of an odd couple. She is really sporty and on a few teams while I am more into books and video games. Sometimes our friends are surprised to realize how different we are, but honestly I wouldn’t date anyone else. It’s nice to have our own passions that we can enjoy, as well as have things we do together - like studying or date nights. I don’t think I’ll ever play to the same level as Joni, but I love to hear how practices went, and while Joni isn’t too interested in reading the same books as me, she’s always happy to listen to me ramble about my new favorite book that week.

We’re different in a lot of ways, but we care about each other, and get along really well. I think that’s where it’s most important to be similar.

Independence

When you are in a relationship, enjoying time with your partner can be a highlight of your day. It is okay and even healthy to have interests and hobbies that are different from your significant other’s. It is also okay and even healthy to share most or all of your time with your partner. The most important aspect of however much time you choose to spend with your significant other is ensuring that you are on the same page. Spend time with your partner because you want to - not because it is the only thing you can do. When in a relationship, understanding that you are both a couple and individuals helps to create a much healthier environment for everyone involved.

Ask yourself: Do I spend time with my partner because I want to, or because it is the only social interaction I can access? What do we do when we are together? Do we understand that we are both a unit and individuals? How do I feel when we are not spending time together?