Yes, I want someone who can relate to my passions. It is not necessary that all interests are similar, as we are each individuals. We gain friendships through similarities, and a partner should always be a friend first.

Some are good, to many is not ideal. Being able to share something that is new to a potential mate is part of the fun. Some things are good to do with others or alone.

It's important to have enough in common to have great conversations. It's also important to have different hobbies to learn something new, or to have that important solo time.

You seem interesting, my type, and cute. How's it going?

Somewhat yes. As long as you have a few things in common that's a great place to start. It's also great to be introduced to new things too =)

I love people of Color, Race, International Nomenclature who love themselves like I love myself. When I travel abroad I love to meet the unknown character who blew me off the road. Hate to dampen your post but I always meet more than one every time. Seek Nature and walk in the Woods alone and let Nature call to you and make the difference you need so much.
Pick a Destination and enjoy the Journey.

Of course!

I believe everyone should have an active hobby as well as a passive one. I also think it is nice to share these with a significant other. But they should also have interests of their own!

I really don't have any basis for comparison I was only in one relationship for my entire life for 27 years and as time went by that's kind of what caused us to drift apart is.we got together when we were very young and very desperate and all we had was each other but the older we got the more I found out that we really didn't share the same interests or basic beliefs about what was really important in life

I think common interest has it's place, but a difference of interests may expand your horizons. When someone is completely different, I can't say I've tried to make that work.

Common interest, in my opinion, is essential because they do provide something that can be shared and allow a quicker connection. However, separate interests are needed as well so that there is some sense of individuality.

In a successful relationship, there must be substantial shared interests and values. But, each must also have the freedom and space to pursue interests of their own.

The similar interests are, for me, the initial attraction. The differences are what bring people closer. When care enough about the other person to want to learn about the differences...you're hooked.

Common interests are important to me, but so are interests that I don't have because maybe they will open me up to new experiences and maybe I will like them.

There has to be some separation of interest in a relationship, or I find myself bored quite quickly. I want to be challenged, and not be constantly agreed with.

Well, it helps but it's not all. I have good friends that have little in commm with me.

Common interests are important. However, it's hard to find people who like ferret racing, collecting snake skins, stalking celebrities and grave digging.

I completely agree. It's annoyingly difficult to find a partner who is comfortable with the concept of alone-time, I've found, but it is something that I need very much to supplement and compliment the shared time.

I feel that if you're looking for any kind of long term relationship, yes. I always use to make the mistake of letting sexual chemistry do the talking, and then when the novelty wears off and you finally come up for air, you realize you have absolutely nothing to talk about. If you can find someone who has at least a few of the same interests, you have a place to build from.

IMO having interests in common only makes the association stronger.but also showing support for interests other than yours is also important.

I like us to be different enough to allow for the exploration of new things

Common interests are important to me but I don't give a rat's ass about sports. If you do that's OK. Sharing of ideas is important.

They are important. More than anything I would like someone to bat ideas around with.

Yes: it certainly helps in the talking / sharing time. Humans like validation on opinions.

No: it’s good to learn. If we don’t learn from other points of view or experiences, then we’ll be the same and that’s boring.

Maybe: if you can find a friend or mate that lets you have alone time, that’s gold too. I grew up an only child and love doing things alone.

I think there needs to be some overlap in interests, just to be practical — what do you do together if you don't share anything in common? — but I also think it's important for everyone to have their own lives, other interests, different circles of friends, because those differences are what we use to add flavor to the stew of the relationship, a little infusion from outside to keep things spiced up. Otherwise, it's just two people with the same thoughts, the same experiences, the same interests, the same perspective, and that's bound to get old and get boring.