It makes sense that we are drawn to people who are similar to ourselves. Trying to discover similarities in tastes or in hobbies can really be the foundation of a first conversation with someone. While those similarities do help create that initial bond, it's really the differences we find in people that help to make them interesting to us. We don't want to be friends with people who are exactly like us in every way-thing would get boring pretty quickly!
We may encounter people in our lives who we would assume, based on their country of origin, their background, their religion or their age, that we would have nothing in common with. It has been my experience that this is largely wrong-it is much harder to find someone you have absolutely nothing in common with than someone who you have at least some similarities. One of the easiest places to start is with activities, and this is especially so if there is a language barrier. You might not speak a common language, but you can play soccer-even if it is against a team of 12-year old boys (hey, they are faster than they look). Or play cards. Or drink coffee or tea together. Or watch sports, crochet, listening to music, cook, eat, laugh. Once that initial common interest is explored, getting to know all of the things that makes someone different than oneself is not only interesting, it's also often rewarding.
The human experience can really be remarkably similar, if we allow ourselves to see those similarities. We can expand our view of what we have in common with others, and not just limit it to hobbies and favorite tv shows or ice cream flavors (though you really will probably be my new best friend if you also love to enjoy Half-Baked ice cream while you watch Game of Thrones). There are many facets to our personalities and to our interests. When we take time to explore and share those, our connections with others can really expand. And then comes the fun part where we are able to grow and learn and develop with the help of those around us. Who knows what might come of that, but it's certainly exciting to think about...
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