Understand what your pet's exact needs will be, from its diet to its shelter. Then, make sure you have everything your pet will need before you bring it home. That way, you can spend your time bonding with your pet, rather than worrying about what supplies you'll need. Think about your individual situation when you're choosing a pet. If you're very active and spend a lot of time outside, an energetic dog breed might be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you work long hours, a solitary reptile might fit your lifestyle better. When you're choosing your pet, remember that you're signing up for a commitment. You'll be responsible for your pet's food and water, grooming, training, and medical care for the rest of its life. If you already have a pet and you're choosing a new one, make sure you give the animals plenty of time to get used to each other before you leave them alone together. Animals can sometimes be territorial, and they may fight. It can sometimes help to introduce them in a neutral area, like a room the pets aren't normally allowed to go into, or a new cage or tank for smaller animals and fish. For example, to introduce 2 hamsters, you could place them in a clean tank with new bedding, so neither one will feel like it is "their" territory. If you already have a pet and you're choosing a new one, make sure you supervise any introductions and give the animals several days or even weeks to get used to each other before you leave them alone together. In order to make sure your pet is comfortable around you, spend at least 30 minutes a day with it. This might mean playing, cuddling, grooming, or training, but the important thing is that you're consistently making time to let your pet know they're important to you. Dogs and cats are especially sensitive to getting plenty of affection every day. Pets like snakes and turtles might not need to be handled every day. However, spending time around their habitat each day will make them more comfortable with your presence. Different pets like to be touched or picked up in different ways. Pay attention to your pet's body language while you're handling it. If it seems relaxed, it probably enjoys what you're doing. If it tenses up, tries to leave the area, or acts aggressive, you may have done something it didn't like. Try to avoid doing that again in the future. Every pet's likes and dislikes will be different. For instance, some cats love getting belly rubs, but other cats will bite and scratch if you try to touch them on the stomach. Many animals need to be taken out of their habitat and exercised. In some cases, this should be done daily, while in others it might only be a few times a week. Learn about your pet's exercise needs and make some extra time to give them a good workout when they need it. For example, you might take your dog for a walk, have your cat chase a feather on a string, or place your hamster in an exercise ball. Your pet won't always know what to do, and sometimes it will act out. This is usually a way to try to get attention, or because they're bored or aren't getting enough exercise. Sometimes, it might even be the result of a trauma they experienced in the past. Be patient and try to solve the underlying problem so you'll get along better with your pet! Never yell at, hit, or kick your pet. This will destroy the bond between you and your pet. Treating your pet this way may also lead your pet to become fearful or even aggressive.
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One-sentence summary -- Spend some time researching your pet before you bring it home. Supervise the introduction of a new pet to any animals you already have. Socialize with your pet every day. Learn how your pet likes to be handled. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Be patient with your pet.

While you don't need to become proficient in Klingon, you should make an attempt to understand your partner's obsessions. Follow some of the movies, books, and games that your partner loves. Who knows--maybe they'll become your obsessions, too. A relationship is a two-way street. You should show some interest in your partner's passions, and demand that your partner do the same for you. Don't worry if you don't understand some of your partner's passions. While some shared interests are important, you don't need to share all of them. Your partner's nerdy obsessions and social awkwardness make them who they are. You shouldn't try to change them, and moreover, you won't be able to. If you can't accept them, then you probably shouldn't be together. Don't tease your partner for their mysterious obsessions. They've likely had to put up with such teasing their entire life, and more of it will only cause them to withdraw. Nerds often thrive on routine. They are very sensitive to change, whether it be at work, on the road, or at home. Simply moving an item in your partner's room might upset them. You partner may have a designated space in the home where they like to work or pursue their hobbies undisturbed. They value the predictability and security of this space, so be certain not to violate any boundaries. Ask before cleaning their space or moving any of their things. If you are the type of person that craves spontaneity, dating a routine-oriented nerd might seem challenging. However, you can still do spontaneous things with your partner, like traveling, by combining more spontaneous activities with more structured activities. For example, if you want to go on vacation with your partner, have a balance of very structured, highly scheduled days, and days that are more laid back. This might sound counterintuitive. Shouldn't the nerd be explaining to you? The truth is, you'll probably know more about many subjects than your partner. Nerds tend to specialize in one area of knowledge, which means you'll probably know more than they do about more mainstream things, like cars, pro football, and non-science-fiction movies. Don't belittle your partner for not knowing much about mainstream topics. Instead, try patiently explaining. Your partner's friends are important to them. You should take an interest in them, despite the fact that they'll probably be pretty nerdy, too. That's not to say you need to spend every night LARPing together. Rather, make sure you hang out with them sometimes, ask them questions, and are generally friendly. You may not like all of your partner's friends, but you should accept them. Try to understand and appreciate what they bring to your partner's life.
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One-sentence summary --
Take an interest in your partner's passions. Don't try to "cure" them. Respect your partner's routine. Find a balance between spontaneity and routine. Be prepared to explain mainstream pursuits. Take an interest in their friends.