After going through a rough divorce or the passing of a spouse, you might wonder if you should consider getting back out there and dating again. When looking back at their younger years and the experiences they had with dating then, many people often wonder if mature dating is even worth the hassle.
As we grow up and come into our own, we realize that there are more important things to look for in a partner than just a physical attraction and an emotional bond. Mature singles have lived their lives and they’ve experienced the joys and sorrows that come along with being in romantic relationships in the past.
This awareness can be both help and hurt you when you decide to take the plunge and start dating again. On the plus side, you already know what you want in a relationship, a partner, and how to enjoy yourself. On the down side, singles who are dating over 50 find it easier than ever to become too picky when choosing a partner.
Which Is More Important: Common Interests or Values?
Members of the mature online dating community have often asked which should they focus on when they are looking for a partner: someone with similar hobbies and interests or someone who has core beliefs that align with your own?
We’ve thought about how to answer this question quite a bit and to be honest, there is no right or wrong answer. It really depends on what you are looking for in a relationship; but we personally feel that having common values far outweighs common interests.
If you build a relationship off of common interests, you know that you will have someone to see the latest super-hero movie on opening night or someone who understands your passion for salt-water fishing. You’ll be able to connect with one another over a bottle of vintage scotch while enjoying late night television because you both enjoy these things. By building a relationship off of common interests, you know what the other person likes and you aren’t left what to get them for holidays or what sort of dates to plan.
However, when you build a relationship that focuses on common values, you’ll find that there is a deeper, perhaps more solid, bond there. You pretty much know and understand their point of view when they get angry over a towel on the floor and you won’t have to worry about being pressured to go to church because you’ll already be there. Your values will already align and you’ll be on the same page.
Also, when you have different interests, you’ll have more things to talk about which will definitely help keep the relationship feeling fun and fresh. Plus, it’s always nice to try something new, even if you’re a little skeptical about getting suited up to try your hand at skiing. When you make the effort of going out there and actually trying to participate in an activity your partner enjoys, that will mean a lot to them.
So, to answer the question of which is more important; common values, hands down.