Although it’s said that opposites attract, lifestyles don’t follow that rule. Having a different lifestyle choice than the person you’re dating may determine if there even is a second date. Everyone is different and sometimes they just won’t be compatible.
It’s certainly possible that some people can find ways to make these differences work, but consider exploring your dates views on these topics early-on. You have your own values and beliefs and you’ll also know which ones are so important that dating a person with an alternate lifestyle may not work.
If you are extremely active, dating someone who is not may or may not work for you. If you are looking for a partner that will join in as a way to spend quality time together, be sure your date is already leading an active lifestyle. It will be hard to change that and make it stick down the road.
For younger daters still thinking about family or not having family this can be a big deal breaker. If you want a house full of kids and the person you are dating just doesn’t want them, don’t hold out hoping they change their minds down the road. They may, but they also may not which could leave one of you miserable for the long haul.
You’re certainly not thinking about where you’ll live with the other person when you first start dating, but it’s important to know one another’s ideal living places. For instance, if one of you has dreams to buy a farm in the middle of no where and the other loves the hustle and bustle of city – it may not work.
Religious beliefs can play a big role in compatibility as well. Many couples are able to live in harmony and respect one another’s beliefs, but it’s not easy. For instance, if one of you is Catholic and the other is Muslim, this could be an extremely difficult relationship strain that you may not be able to beat.
Other lifestyle choices that could play factors in dating include travelling, activity choices, cleanliness differences and introverts vs. extroverts. Aside from these tips, communication is the key to all relationships. If the communication isn’t good from the start – cut your losses and move on!
People with these differences can co-exist, but it takes work from both individuals. The best way to do this is through constant communication and respecting each other’s differences, as well as their differing comfort zones.
No matter how strong the chemistry is between two people, eventually it could lead to being miserable. If you have 1-2 major differences these could be manageable, but more than that will be extremely difficult.
Communicate your wants and needs and truly listen to your date. Recognizing your compatibility levels from the start could save you both a lot of heartache and grief. Be sure you have good communication and expectations are known early on.
