"Never laugh at someone for being interested in something you find weird or boring. That just means you don't know enough about it yet."
Something my (now sadly deceased) mum said to me when I was a teen.
Always stuck with me.
Truer now, in the era of social media, than ever.
I forget who I was snarking about at the time. Probably the interests of one of my siblings.
She (gently) reminded me of how people sneered at me for being interested in SciFi and history etc. Asked how that made me feel, and if I'd want others to feel the same. Smart woman.
Her point was you don't have to like a thing, but should always try to learn a bit and see WHY others do. Because people being interested in things is always fun.
If I can give one piece of life advice:
Whenever someone geeks about something in front of you, or admits an 'embarrassing' interest, just say:
"That sounds AMAZING. I don't know anything about that. Tell me about it."
Then just listen.
Not once in my life have I regretted it.
I was *just* talking about this with someone yesterday! I *love* hearing about people's special interests!!
First, because I love how excited and relaxed they get, 😊 but also because it's a chance to learn about something I either have no real interest in or would never have the chance to learn about otherwise - that's incredible to me.
They are giving me the opportunity to have a fuller and more nuanced view of the world.
They are making me a better person. 🙏
Oooh, "permission to talk about their favourite thing in the world" - ouch, but you're right. I think at least sometimes (especially if you're younger), that's a big thing too.
(I was definitely a kid with weird interests - and I remember how painful it was being laughed at *as an adult* for sharing something with - I thought - other like-minded adults. I had been so excited, and I was shut right down.)
John Bull
Now -> 
Arden (she/her)