How do I navigate dating someone who does my hobby as a profession?

Sorry about the clunky title!

I (20’s F) have an artistic hobby that I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. It’s not something I’ve ever wanted to monetise or even studied formally, and I rarely share it with others beyond my most intimate circle, but I’ve always received very positive feedback when doing it and it’s a big part of how I like to spend my time alone.

For close to a year, I’ve been dating someone (20s M) who happens to be a professional in the same art field. He makes all his living this way, is very successful, and has significant studies under his belt in it.

The problem I’m facing is that I’m finding myself really reluctant to share this part of me with him because he’s so qualified in it and so immersed in the industry that I feel like he’ll judge me.

For the first few months we were together I didn’t even tell him that I did it as a hobby because I didn’t want him to ask about it, but slowly I’ve opened up a bit and let him see some glimpses. Each time he’s been extremely supportive and given me nothing but praise, but what I’ve shown him isn’t really my most vulnerable stuff and I’m scared if I did he’d think I’m lame or cliche or untalented and be turned off.

It’s making me sad because it’s always been such a big part of my life and something I had a lot of fun with but now I feel like I’m judging myself through his eyes and it’s making it hard for me to enjoy in the same ways. How can I get past this? I’d like to be able to share this thing with him but I am scared. Part of me thinks it could bring us closer but another part is scared he’ll be put off by it.

TLDR: My boyfriend is amazing and talented in something I do as a hobby and it’s making me self conscious and guarded about it. Should I try to overcome this, and if so, how?

Submitted January 06, 2022 at 01:34AM by Bleepbloop3002 https://ift.tt/337AVxe