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Do you get a chance to talk about your special interests?

Oakling

Outside of this space, do you ever get the chance to have a conversation about the things you find interesting?

There are a few things I’m really passionate about (rocks, minerals, wood/tree species and grain patterns, traditional joinery techniques, wood turning, strength sports etc.). But whenever I try to talk about any of them I either get the impression that people are uninterested (which may be the case for my niche interests), that I’ve targeted the wrong audience or, even more interestingly, people come out and directly comment on how boring my interests are (even in jest, but with a perceived layer of truth hidden).

Just be yourself they say… but obviously don’t actually be yourself!

Id love to actually speak out loud about my interest sometimes, but just haven’t found anyone interested enough.

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  • Oakling said:
    Outside of this space, do you ever get the chance to have a conversation about the things you find interesting?

    Literally, ummm never. 

    The sad reality is I'm a massive bore and my family are tired of hearing about programming, computers, books, Doctor Who and astronomy. It surprises, no. It bewilders me that people aren't interested in hearing about these things. Especially health and diseases. When I talk about everything people leave the room. Ha, ouch. So I've come to the quite obvious conclusion that I am Miss Boring of 1997, crowned since I was able to talk.

  • in reply to Hack∈r

    Health and diseases can affect everyone so more people ought to be interested in those. But many people prefer to not think about icky things. There are limits to how much detail is socially acceptable on those! I sometimes don't want to hear about really scary things, but also sometimes it is better to know. I don't always find it easy to judge what level is OK, many people are squeamish about vomit or other such things and I can cross their line without realising it, sometimes even with my Dad.

    My Mum was really good at being interested in anything and would enjoy listening to me tell her about my special interests, and she was like that with other people too. I miss her a lot, she died a few years ago.

  • in reply to AuTriker

    I've always found it hard to see where the line is. It's one of those things I try not to cross but inevitably, I must cross it a lot. I wish people would say if I do. I feel I probably get a little carried away with my facts and figures on health and diseases.

    AuTriker said:
    My Mum was really good at being interested in anything and would enjoy listening to me tell her about my special interests, and she was like that with other people too. I miss her a lot, she died a few years ago.

    I am sorry for your loss. She sounded wonderful. I lost my sister when I was 9, she was 16 at the time but we were extremely close. Even now I still miss her and can remember her voice and picture her sat in her room listening to her music. Death is so hard to understand and get used to.

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  • in reply to AuTriker

    I've always found it hard to see where the line is. It's one of those things I try not to cross but inevitably, I must cross it a lot. I wish people would say if I do. I feel I probably get a little carried away with my facts and figures on health and diseases.

    AuTriker said:
    My Mum was really good at being interested in anything and would enjoy listening to me tell her about my special interests, and she was like that with other people too. I miss her a lot, she died a few years ago.

    I am sorry for your loss. She sounded wonderful. I lost my sister when I was 9, she was 16 at the time but we were extremely close. Even now I still miss her and can remember her voice and picture her sat in her room listening to her music. Death is so hard to understand and get used to.

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