The amount of times I find myself in a conversation where I am so lost that everything said goes over my head is quite pathetic. In fact, I have picked up the new moto based on my conversations with my friends. “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit”. See my friend group consists of a bunch of guys that are obsessed with cars and many conversations revolve around this passion. To save myself from boredom I’ve learned to entertain myself by adding to the conversations by saying random things while keeping a serious expression on my face acting as if I am adding valuable commentary to the discussion. Even though I do not share my friend’s undying love for cars and trucks, I still would not trade my friends for the world. I am proof that friends don’t have to share the same passions to be close.
My friends and I value similar things. In my experience, I have found that humor and trust are two of the most important components in a friendship. I know my friends are the same way so we find ways to entertain each other by making each other laugh and we also have everyone’s back and can count on each other. Friends that focus on the same core values will be able to connect despite their varying “after school activities”. If friends share similar values it is easy to find things that both people enjoy even if they aren’t passionate about similar things.
Having different friends introduces me to so many new things. It keeps my life interesting and more fulfilling. According to Scott H. Young, “For most of my friendships, I would say having people who are too like-minded is a disadvantage. People who think like you can’t challenge you intellectually. They can’t offer you an alternative perspective on life and on key issues.” Challenging yourself and trying new things is commonly a positive thing because it keeps you engaged in your life. Having friends that push you to become a better person in this way is a great thing.
I’m well aware that it can seem illogical to have friends with different passions. Sharing hobbies will give friends more things to talk about that both people are very interested in. An article in The Telegraph says, “Researchers found that having enthusiasm and hobbies formed a strong bond but when we change those interests we change our friends.” If friendship tends to end when people’s interests change it makes sense that shared passions are the key to friendship. While this seems logical it is also not taking into account the individuality of an individual. Humans can be predictable but they do not all live the same so concluding that shared passions are what keeps friends together is ultimately inaccurate.
Friends don’t need to share the same passion. As long as they respect each other’s core values and interests friendships have the potential of being great. I encourage everyone to not limit their friends to people with their same passion. Keeping an open mind may just help you meet some of the greatest people in your life.
