When’s the Right Time in a New Relationship to Reveal the Full 12-Hour Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Marathon Requirement?

What do you do when your favorite hobby—like an annual 12-hour Lord of the Rings marathon—might just be too much information for date number two? For fans who treat Middle-earth as their second home, this isn’t just a movie night; it’s practically a rite of passage. But at what stage is it safe (and smart) to let your new partner in on this epic tradition?

Let’s talk about finding that sweet spot between “keeping it real” and “maybe not overwhelming my new partner with my quirks just yet.”

Why Sharing Your Passions Matters

Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are. If hosting or attending a full-day Lord of the Rings marathon is part of your DNA, hiding it forever isn’t really an option. In fact, sharing personal passions early on can help set realistic expectations and avoid surprises down the road.

Plus, introducing someone you care about to something you love is actually kind of romantic. It shows trust—and who knows? You might inspire them to see Frodo’s journey through fresh eyes (or at least appreciate quality snacks and comfy blankets).

Timing Is Everything: When Should You Bring Up Your LOTR Marathon?

So here’s where things get tricky. You probably don’t want to drop “By the way, I need you available for an entire day every March so we can watch hobbits walk” during dinner on date one. But you also don’t want to wait until you’re months into things and it feels like you’ve been hiding part of yourself.

A good general rule? Wait until you’ve had a few dates and feel like there’s some mutual investment—or at least until you’ve shared other interests or rituals. If you’re talking about favorite movies or bucket-list activities, that’s a natural place for The Big Reveal.

Here are some signs it might be time:

• You’ve both talked about childhood favorites or nostalgic traditions.
• They’ve shared their own quirky habits (Dungeons & Dragons night? Taylor Swift dance parties?).
• You’re planning future weekends together or talking about holidays.
• The conversation turns toward movies or binge-watching habits.
• You feel comfortable being yourself around them—awkward obsessions included.

How To Introduce Your Epic Movie Tradition (Without Scaring Them Off)

The key here? Framing matters. Instead of presenting your marathon as an ultimatum (“love me, love my elvish subtitles”), make it sound inviting and fun. Share why this tradition means so much—it could be nostalgia with old friends, family memories, or just your ultimate comfort zone.

Try something like:

• “I have this nerdy annual tradition I look forward to every year…”
• “I know it sounds intense but hear me out—the snacks are legendary.”
• “It’s totally optional but someday I’d love for you to join me.”

This way, they get insight into what makes you tick—without feeling pressured into joining right away.

Anecdote: The First Fellowship Test

I once dated someone who revealed halfway through our getting-to-know-you phase that she watched all three extended editions back-to-back every December 16th (yes, she had an actual date on her calendar). At first I thought she was joking… until she showed me her collection and her elaborate themed menu plans.

Was I intimidated? A bit! But mostly I admired her enthusiasm. We made it into a mini-event—costumes optional—and while I didn’t become quite as obsessed as she was, I loved seeing that side of her. Her honesty made our connection stronger because we could just geek out together without judgment.

Letting Your Geek Flag Fly—At The Right Pace

Here’s the bottom line: The right time to reveal your full-blown Lord of the Rings marathon requirement is whenever you feel comfortable enough that sharing feels genuine—not forced or sudden.

Some couples bond over Harry Potter marathons or weekly trivia nights; others find their thing elsewhere. What matters most is honesty mixed with patience. You deserve someone who’ll appreciate (or at least tolerate) even your most epic traditions.

So next time you’re wondering if it’s too soon for Gollum impressions or Lembas bread recipes—remember that everyone brings something unique into a relationship. And sometimes those quirks turn out to be exactly what makes things special.

What passion would be *your* “fellowship test” in a new relationship?