Yes I think it does matter hugely, one of the things that bugs me, is when I find a partner actually has totally different views and values to the ones they led me to believe they held at the start of a relationship. Opposing views can be interesting if both of you can live and let live and I think it depends on what they are, but I think all to often you end up more entrenched in your individual positions. Different interests can be good it gives you something to talk about as long as one dosen't feel bullied into having to join in, but they can be complimentary, say if I like like cooking and he likes fishing, he brings me things to cook that we can both enjoy, sort of thing.