Independence can unite Aries and Aquarius. Both have their own affairs and want their partner to respect their space, so they don’t need to share everything to feel connected.
The differences show up when choosing activities in common. Aries can adapt fairly easily to Aquarius’s settings and friends. Aquarius tends to be more selective and may show disinterest when a person or an activity doesn’t spark their curiosity.
In conversation, Aries tends to give opinions quickly; Aquarius seeks depth and may consider hasty a judgment that hasn’t been explored enough. The exchange becomes difficult if one feels scrutinized and the other feels unheard.
Understanding those ways of taking part, together with other planetary affinities, can make agreements easier. The autonomy both value can also give each one room to cultivate interests the partner doesn’t necessarily share.