I learned many years ago, that if something is REALLY important to me (like my animals), that I had better marry somebody who shares at least part of my interests. Back when I was single, I knew way too many people who did not share important interests, and who seemed like they spent A LOT of time and energy fighting about who got to do (or buy, or keep, or whatever)their particular interest required.

If reptiles are a major interest for you, it is important to figure out how that will work into your lives now, before possible marriage. Will it be a major bone of contention FOREVER? Better to know that now, rather than later.

If it is just one of many interests for you, then it is still important to figure out to negotiate with a future mate so that both of you get most of what is really important to each of you. Whenever something seems REALLY important to her, you have to "give in", and vice versa. If you can't both make that happen, then it is good to find it out now, instead of after marriage and kids. I think that good negotiation skills, and the willingness of both parties to compromise, might be one of the most important assets to make a long term relationship work out happily.

Good luck!

[ Show Entire Thread ]