Tolerant is the best word. My wife knew from the beginning that I was not likely to give this hobby up. I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated listening room which was modified from a game room. She does enjoy family movies in the theater. A close friend of mine, also an audiophile, has a very nice system in their main living room. He makes asthetic compromises to please his wife. She came to our house one day, looked at my system (bi-amps with very larg monoblocks and Martin Logan Monoliths) and said: "Excuse me, but THAT would never be in our house."
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....