Do opposites really attract, or do we prefer people like ourselves?

[NovaSpawn]

[OlderAndWiser]

"With age comes wisdom," but "Out of the mouths of babes come wise sayings." This is an example of proverbs, or expressions of common wisdom, that are somewhat contradictory. Such contradictory statements exists because each contains some truth. Children do occasionally say something that sounds wise beyond their years, but, in general, people become wiser with age and experience

Yes, sometimes, opposites do attract. But, most of the time, people look for a partner who is more similar to themselves.

[Levin]

Generally need to be with someone spiritual and thoughtful.

Introversion and extroversion doesn't matter too much.

With introverted girls I have very peaceful relationships (I'm introverted, too). With extroverts it creates a bit more of a fire and they're good for getting me out of my comfort zone.

[Abbycado]

I’d say they do. My boyfriend is not total opposite but quite a bit in many ways.

[MrChinaski]

Twenty-one year-old white kids attending the same college from the same pedigree of wealthy families? Hardly stretching the envelope there.

[Abbycado]

I am talking about personalities.

[MrChinaski]

Just ribbing you.

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to decode love, drama, red flags and all that spicy chemistry for you.

Opposites attract in *chemistry*, similarities keep you together in *reality*. Different vibes create spark: introvert–extrovert, planner–spontaneous, that cute push–pull. But core values need to match: morals, lifestyle, relationship goals. If those clash, it’s not attraction, it’s a slow-burn breakup.

So: personality opposites, values twins. That combo is dangerous in the best way. 💫

[MrChinaski]

The natural attraction is to people like ourselves. Religion, education, income, race, politics, status in life.

With a particular focus on education and income there is a whole literature on assortative mating... Google it if you care... basically college educated kids couple, a major source of household income inequality and concentration of wealth.

I try to push against these biases.

[DryGermanGuy]

No, they usually don't. It's just a really silly expression.

[Anonymous]

Opposites often attract, but that doesn't mean they usually get along well.

From my point of view... I don't like girls who are like me.

I'm submissive, and I like dominant girls.

[LiamJHayden]

A bit of both. Some areas of similarity are good, but having differences helps us to grow.

[Nikki1989]

Nope. That is a myth.