Can you control what you're interested in?

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I sure can't. If I try to get rid of interests they just go completely out of control. If I try to force them they become a chore.

I can but that is because I am under something else that I CAN'T control. I'd rather be in my obsession, it would give me a better clarification.

No, I can't control that at all, and I can't get into things I'm not into at all. I wish I could, it would make it so much easier to learn and get a job.

Interests are like sexuality, you don't choose them.

It would probably surprise you to find out just how little 'free-will' we actually have. Almost (depending on perspective) everything is related back to genetics and chemicals.

I honestly believe one could control what one is interested in; perhaps one cannot control the INTENSITY, though.

I happen to be a strong believer in "free-will," chemicals or no chemicals.

Exactly! I have tried to WANT to be interested, - but it never amounts to more than a few forceful attempts to learn about the subject the dry way.
Real interests are set off by emotions, or deeply connected to them.

Nope, can't do it. I can cut back on the amount of time I devote to an interest in order to spend more time with another, more deserving interest. But I can't control what interests me in the first place.

Never really thought about it before but it sounds almost like a relationship with another person.

Yes. I personally try to try new things as a challenge to myself. If you try something and it doesn't feel right, then don't do it again. Don't feel obligated to keep doing something that you don't like just because a friend wanted u to try it. Try to explain why you don't like it. A true friend will understand and maybe suggest something else. A friend of mine asked if I wanted to try playing a tabletop RPG. I said sure, because I have been wanting to try it for a while. I feel safe learning this from her because I like and trust her.

I guess I cannot understand why you would make yourself not be interested in the things you are interested in, or make yourself be interested in something your not? That could be like the difference between picking flowers, and rolling heads?

However, I have learned to like things

yes. i am only interested in things that i can control.

^^^^ lmfao!! !

I can control the intensity by doing more challenging things. With my accordion obsession I turned it into a normal NT looking interest by actually learning to play. That did make it more intense for a month or two, but it eventually calmed down. Now I can enjoy playing accordion and I no longer have to worry about talking too much about it.

I'm doing the same with my obsession with Jewish people by learning Hebrew. It seems to be working so far. Now I can control that obsession better.

My interest with Tom Hiddleston can be hard to control. If I see a very sexy picture of him, I HAVE TO share it with someone, even if they have no interest in him like me. Don't even get me started on how perfect this man is either...

Other than that, I have really no problem controlling most of my interests/obsessions.

Nope.

At least you're straight.

Nope! I can't pick a new Special Interest. They pick me!

When my one love died, I went through a period where I tried to find another Special Interest but I can't just make something into it. Either my heart's into it or it's not. Several came along by chance but they never lasted more than 3 months.

Then I got re-diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and it became my Special Interest and is still going strong after a couple of years.

Like the picture of the light switch. I'm either totally obsessed with something or I'm totally disinterested - and I have no control over it!