When I first met my wife, she was helping move myself and a mutual friend into a new apartment. She was present for the ritualistic unboxing of the 'system' and laughed at my neurotic nature. Later on she realized the difference that good equipment makes. She refuses to become 'involved' in the hobby but hears and comments on changes in the system. She actually was the one that purchased our latest pair of speakers ... CDM-1se. As far as tolerance of the 'system' the only request she has ever made is that I make it fairly easy for her to play an album and she not see wires all over the living room. She feigns protest to upgrades, but readily comments on the improvements that she hears. Now all I need to do is talk her into that projector ...
The partner or wife factor
Most of us don't live alone. We have to contend with the people, we share our living space with. This can be a huge asset to our hobby, sometimes a detriment. Sometimes, listening with a loved one can deepen our involvement with the music and shared hobbies are a source of joy through the years, sometimes the hobby can be a continual source of bickering and trigger resentment and,in a worst case setting, separation either from the system or from the partner. I personally, in my long life, have both met with intelligent support for, but also viscious resentment of my gear, as systems and partners changed.( Systems more than parners) The shortest episode, hilarious actually, was when a ladyfriend , led by me proudly to the listening area , shrieked "electrosmog....!!" You can rest assured, she didn't stay very long. What about your experiences? Joyful, painful, helpful, destructive, funny or amorous ones? Very curious....