It's so true... we don't need interests that align to be best friends with our partner. I found it helps to have some core values in common, though not necessarily for all of them to align. Even philosophical approach to life can differ. Yet... I still find myself telling children and young people that it is easier to make friends when you have something in common, a shared interest. Hmmm.
Ahh I can so relate to this! Totally my husband and I. Years ago, I got really into meditation. My husband, not at all. For my birthday one year, he surprised me with a meditation teepee for our backyard. We didn’t have the shared interest of meditation, but he cared that I loved it, and that meant so much to me!
When I first met my husband I almost didn’t pursue it because I thought we were too different and I remember dissecting this concern with a friend. I concluded our values were very aligned. The way he spoke about his family etc. And the funny thing is we’ve naturally tried out each other’s hobbies over the years. I tried running (didn’t stick 😂) and he’s actually now getting into journaling. If someone had told me this when we first met I would have fallen off my chair!!
I know, I can’t believe it’s been kept a secret so long. Urgh I might have to rewatch it. Absolute masterpiece 🤣 I also loved the older woman younger man, never any representation of that. I’m still mad about the ending though
Thank you for this, Jessica. It’s such an important reminder of why we choose to be with the ones we love.
My wife and I couldn’t be more different in our interests and, in many ways, our personalities. But our shared core values are what keep our marriage steady and growing. They’re the quiet compass we return to when things get hard, busy, or messy.
What’s struck me, especially after reading more relationship and child-development research recently, is how unseen this work often is. Children don’t just absorb what we say we value, they absorb what consistently holds a family together beneath the surface. Shared values create emotional predictability, even when preferences, passions, or styles differ.
Over time, that steadiness shapes how children learn to relate, to disagree, and to form their own values. Not by mirroring us, but by witnessing respect, curiosity, and commitment in action. This piece captures that beautifully.
It's so true... we don't need interests that align to be best friends with our partner. I found it helps to have some core values in common, though not necessarily for all of them to align. Even philosophical approach to life can differ. Yet... I still find myself telling children and young people that it is easier to make friends when you have something in common, a shared interest. Hmmm.
I totally understand that though, for the sake of that initial connection and conversation it makes sense as an ice breaker for new friends!
Ahh I can so relate to this! Totally my husband and I. Years ago, I got really into meditation. My husband, not at all. For my birthday one year, he surprised me with a meditation teepee for our backyard. We didn’t have the shared interest of meditation, but he cared that I loved it, and that meant so much to me!
This is EXACTLY it, that’s really special xx
When I first met my husband I almost didn’t pursue it because I thought we were too different and I remember dissecting this concern with a friend. I concluded our values were very aligned. The way he spoke about his family etc. And the funny thing is we’ve naturally tried out each other’s hobbies over the years. I tried running (didn’t stick 😂) and he’s actually now getting into journaling. If someone had told me this when we first met I would have fallen off my chair!!
I’m with you on the running, but how cool that he is trying journaling!
Love younger! I watched when it was on stan im glad people are finally discovering it. Great show
There was so much hype around it initially I thought it was NEW lol
I know, I can’t believe it’s been kept a secret so long. Urgh I might have to rewatch it. Absolute masterpiece 🤣 I also loved the older woman younger man, never any representation of that. I’m still mad about the ending though
Don’t tell me! X
Keep watching!! 🤫Xxx
Thank you for this, Jessica. It’s such an important reminder of why we choose to be with the ones we love.
My wife and I couldn’t be more different in our interests and, in many ways, our personalities. But our shared core values are what keep our marriage steady and growing. They’re the quiet compass we return to when things get hard, busy, or messy.
What’s struck me, especially after reading more relationship and child-development research recently, is how unseen this work often is. Children don’t just absorb what we say we value, they absorb what consistently holds a family together beneath the surface. Shared values create emotional predictability, even when preferences, passions, or styles differ.
Over time, that steadiness shapes how children learn to relate, to disagree, and to form their own values. Not by mirroring us, but by witnessing respect, curiosity, and commitment in action. This piece captures that beautifully.