I’d happily discuss The Protomen with you at length. Oh, you don’t know who they are? Well, I certainly am not going to explain to some random semi-stranger that I very much enjoy a band whose major work is a Megaman-themed rock opera, that’s just not a conversation I want to have. I can usually feel them judging me the whole time.

I don’t think you’re in the wrong. You’re entitled how you want to spend your energy.

But if the other person shows interest, I’d love to give them a “tour” of whatever band or genre. And I like when people show me stuff they’re into, sometimes.

Sometimes because that “giving a tour” activity is a skill. Like one person could give a summary of the protomen really interesting, and someone else might just infodump it in an overwhelming way. Also picking up on when they’re legitimately interested vs being polite is a skill.