Unpacking My Obsessions

The Unlikely Love Affair With My Local Museum Guidebook

I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with museum gift shops. Not the glittery postcards or color-changing mugs, though they’re cute. No, what gets me every time is the guidebook section, those sleek, glossy books filled with detailed maps and curatorial tidbits. Do I live for antiquities exhibits and Impressionist paintings? Absolutely. Do I occasionally use these mini-library treasures to dodge awkward dating conversations? Also yes.

Picture it: A second date at a quaint Natural History Museum. We’re gazing at fossilized trilobites, and my date drops a lukewarm joke about Jurassic Park. I casually whip out my guidebook from the earlier gift shop detour and start spouting fun facts about prehistoric arthropods. Impressive? Maybe. Mildly embarrassing? Definitely.

My obsession started during childhood, visiting museums with my dad, who would insist on completing every exhibit and, naturally, buying the guidebook as a souvenir. As I grew older (and as my love life began to develop its own quirks), I realized that these books didn’t just offer trivia—they offered connection. Quirks like mine provide something vital in relationships: unpredictability.

The Role of Quirks in Romance

Here’s the truth: You can scroll through every dating guide on the internet, but no algorithm is ever going to compete with the magnetic pull of someone owning their weirdness. Whether it’s obsessively ordering the same latte until the barista intervenes or knowing every single lyric to Hamilton, quirks make us memorable.

Dating isn’t easy. Initially, we all try to present the “best” version of ourselves—a spotless résumé of charm, poise, and wit. But no one remembers how you perfectly paired your shirt and shoes; they remember that time you passionately argued about which Muppets movie is superior (The Great Muppet Caper, obviously). So lean into those nerdy, oddly specific fixations. They might just save a dull date—or even strengthen your connection.

The Obsessions That Define Me (and Why They Matter)

1. Guidebooks, Again (Obviously)

We’ve covered my museum eccentricity, but it’s worth repeating. Why? Because it highlights two parts of me I take into every relationship: curiosity and a love of storytelling. Relationships thrive on curiosity—about the world, each other, and life in general. Those pages of expertly narrated facts are a constant reminder to keep asking questions and to stay fascinated by the small things.

2. My Undying Devotion to Library Card Catalogues

Yes, you read that right. I’m the kind of person who squeals with joy when I spot a retro card catalogue in the corner of a library. I’ve been known to get misty-eyed flipping through those tightly packed drawers of index cards. The parallel in dating? The intersection of nostalgia with truth-seeking.

Dating in the modern era can feel like scanning endless Netflix suggestions—you’re swiping instead of savoring. But sometimes, people, like old books, hold beautiful surprises when you slow down and explore. Bonus tip: If you can love someone for their rough edges, you might just discover how rewarding analog connections can be in this digital age.

3. Naming Inanimate Objects

I’ve named my cactus Alfredo, my water bottle Charlene, and once renamed an ex’s car “Patricia, the Betrayer” after a post-breakup scuffle. Why do this? Because tiny acts of whimsy keep life—and relationships—playful. In love as in life, if you’re not laughing, you’re not growing. Not everything has to be serious to be meaningful.

Unpacking (Your) Obsessions

Obsessions are often mislabeled as “quirks” out of fear they’ll seem too intense or strange. I call B.S. on this. Your quirks are what make you irresistible. Here’s how to own them with confidence:

  • Turn Quirks Into Connection Points: Use your passion as a way to break the ice on dates. For example: “I have a thing for naming plants. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve named?” (Trust me, the answers to this are golden.)

  • Balance Obsession With Curiosity: Your quirks should invite someone into your world, not drown them in hyper-specific details. So yes, you love train schedules from the 1940s, but frame it as a fun fact, not an hour-long dissertation.

  • Celebrate Theirs, Too: Just as you own your passions, celebrate theirs—even if you aren’t quite ready for their fifth deep dive into fantasy football commentary. Mutual respect for quirks is how lasting, supportive relationships are built.

Why This Matters (Or: My Grand Philosophical Takeaway)

After years of clinging to the safer waters of “normal,” I’ve realized that quirks don’t just enrich our solo lives—they enhance our shared ones. Relationships should feel expansive, like rooms in a museum. They should amplify what we care about most and challenge us to see value in what our partners obsess over.

And here’s the best part: There’s always more to discover.

Would my museum guidebook obsession interest everyone? Probably not. But I’ve learned it doesn’t need to. The ones worth keeping around will be the ones who decide to pick up a guidebook next to me.

Own your quirks. Ask questions. Laugh loudly. Life—and love—are infinitely better when you do.