Vegan vs. Meat-Lover: can Different Personalities Mix when Dating?

Thanks to online dating, it's easy these days to filter out qualities we don't want from ones we do. If you're a vegan and only want to date other animal-friendly types, you can make that part of your search filter.

But are you limiting your options? If you're interested in sports and have only been looking for similar-minded types to date, you may be missing out on some great people who could introduce you to other potential interests, like travel or cooking. After all, you can enjoy some things with your friends, and other activities with a partner. It's not necessary to have so much in common.

Here are some guidelines for expanding your dating search:

Are you willing to try new things? If you're a person who is set in his ways, it may be a lot harder to accept differences in others, but is finding someone exactly like you working out? Try loosening up a bit and going outside of your comfort zone to expand your dating circle. You may be surprised at who you meet and what you can enjoy together.

Does your hobby take up all of your time? For example, if you enjoy playing video games to the point where that's all you do when you come home after work, be open to putting it aside. You must make time to find a new relationship because it won't just come to you.

Can you enjoy your hobby on your own? If you love riding horses but a potential partner prefers to spend his weekends sailing, it's ok to do your own thing and meet up later. Don't feel obligated to like everything your partner likes to do; it's almost impossible for most people. Instead, respect your individual interests, and meet up later to do the things you enjoy doing together.

Can you accept another person's differences? If you are intolerant of your partner's love of steak because you are a strict vegetarian, you may want to reconsider. Just because you have different preferences and ways of looking at the world doesn't mean you should impose your belief system or practices on him. If you are willing to respect each other's likes, dislikes, or practices, the better chance your relationship has of growing and lasting.