When I met Freddie last fall, something amusing happened that perfectly captured the quirky little rituals of getting to know someone new. He gave me his number, and I saved it in my phone as “Freddie Sopranos.” Why? Because his Hinge profile mentioned—twice, no less—how obsessed he was with The Sopranos, the iconic HBO series.
Here’s the thing: I had never seen the show. So naturally, I dove in, curious not just about the show itself, but about what made Freddie tick—what made him laugh, what sparked his thoughts, what stories he connected with. It was my way of bridging that initial gap between strangers and friends, using shared cultural touchstones as our common language.
This little anecdote got me thinking: so much of what we love—books, movies, sports, hobbies, even the sandwiches we choose—becomes a reflection of who we are. These tastes shape our senses of humor, reveal our passions, and sometimes even hint at our worldviews. They’re the colorful threads woven into the fabric of our identities, and they play a big role in the early dance of dating.
For instance, I’ve always been curious to see if someone will appreciate When Harry Met Sally with the same affection and laughter that I do, or if they’ll chuckle dismissively and roll their eyes at what I consider a timeless rom-com. I’m deeply moved by the book Olive Kitteridge—the way it tenderly portrays the complexities of life and human connection, no detail too small or insignificant. When I meet a new partner, I wonder if they’ll share that same appreciation for nuance and empathy in storytelling.
And then there’s cheese. Yes, cheese! It might seem trivial, but little quirks like whether someone likes cheese (or is willing to share a cheese platter) become endearing testaments to compatibility. You don’t have to love cheese, but it definitely helps.
So, when it comes to dating, I’m genuinely curious: what books, movies, or music do you introduce to a new partner? What cultural “must-shares” feel important or emblematic of who you are? These choices tell stories—about your humor, your values, your joys.
Maybe it’s the TV show that makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, or the song that always brings you back to a cherished memory. Perhaps it’s a novel that opened your eyes to a new perspective, or a sports team you’ve loyally followed through highs and lows.
All these bits and pieces—our cultural favorites—are more than just entertainment. They’re invitations into our worlds, little gateways for connection. Sharing them is a way of saying, “This is me. Here’s what I love. Here’s what matters.”
And honestly, isn’t that what dating is all about? Finding those common threads, discovering where your worlds overlap, and delighting in the differences that make each connection unique.
So here’s my invitation: next time you start dating someone new, think about the stories you want to share. What’s the movie you hope they’ll laugh at with you? The song that will soundtrack your late-night talks? The book that might just open their heart a little wider?
And if you feel like it, share your favorites with me. I’d love to hear what cultural gems you hold close—whether they’re classic rom-coms, gritty HBO dramas, tender novels, or yes, even your favorite cheese.
Because at the end of the day, those little tastes are the start of something bigger: understanding, connection, and maybe even love.
