Yes, opposites do attract, and likes do repel – when it comes to magnets. How true is this in relationships and friendships though? The saying, ‘opposites attract’ is known to everyone and extremely common. It is even portrayed throughout many Romcoms and Disney films such as Anna and Kristoff from Frozen or Belle and Beast from Beauty and the Beast, so it is hard not to believe this concept has a basis in reality.
As humans, we do tend to be attracted to people who have similar backgrounds and interests to us. That being said, your partner or friend can be extremely different when it comes to the type of food you eat, the type of music you both listen to and even the clothes you wear, but still be very similar in personality.
It really isn’t about what physically attracts us to a person but more about their core qualities and what they want for the future. You may even be opposites in terms of backgrounds and interests but as long as your values align, these will allow you to see eye to eye.
How do opposites attract?
Rather than think of yourselves as ‘opposites’, try to think of your unique personalities as complimentary - you are adding to each other’s lives with different traits and values.
- Balance – If one of you is very calm whilst the other is more anxious or excitable then it can help balance you out by bringing extremely different traits to a friendship or relationship. Viewing situations from a new perspective can also increase your understanding of your partner/friend and other people with the opposite traits as you.
- New experiences – Being friends or in a relationship with someone who thinks differently to you can open you up to new people, experiences and ideas. This may even help you overcome any fears you have because it is important to your friend/partner. Over time you will eventually pick up habits from each other.
- Compromising – Whilst dating/ being friends with an opposite can be fun and uplifting, it can also be difficult at times. This can teach you how to compromise which is a good trait to have between you and your partner/friend and to have in other areas of your life, making you a more understanding individual.
- The spark – When you are in a relationship with someone who doesn’t think exactly like you, it can lead you to have exciting conversations by being intrigued by the mystery. If you both use your opposite traits to your advantage it can keep things fun.
