

{"id":67764,"date":"2021-07-12T11:21:19","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T11:21:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=67764"},"modified":"2025-07-07T13:20:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T13:20:48","slug":"do-opposites-attract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/do-opposites-attract\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Opposites Attract in Relationships? Everything You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67767\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/why-do-opposites-attract.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling Young Man and Woman Imitating Devil and Angel Standing Over Chalkboard Background\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like attracts like, right? So people with commonalities, such as basic views on life, goals for career, background, and maybe even general interests, make entering into a relationship much more effortless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How could anyone not stick with someone resembling themselves? But, perhaps, it&rsquo;s a tad boring, not a challenge, leaving you with little to explore together.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, do opposites attract? Most people find they have an innate curiosity when meeting someone who demonstrates unique qualities from their own. It&rsquo;s intriguing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe specific weaknesses for one person might be a strength in the potential partner. Their differences ultimately complement each other. Always choosing mates like ourselves is a great disservice to us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It prevents the ability to face unique challenges, leave our comfort zone, and above all else, present other elements of our personality. Without the benefit of someone pulling out these traits, we might not consider doing so.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Sex therapist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/danica\">Danica Mitchell<\/a> mentions,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>It&rsquo;s actually very common to see the introvert with the extrovert, the happy-go-lucky person with the grumpy, aloof person; in fact, many romantic tropes are written around them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-reasons-opposites-may-attract-each-other\"><\/span><b>5 reasons opposites may attract each other<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people wonder, do opposites attract, while others fully believe that opposites attract. You&rsquo;ll run into many sorts of people, some of whom you&rsquo;ll have similar likes and dislikes, and others you&rsquo;ll be opposites.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, people with opposite personality traits become closer sooner and are ultimately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/good-relationships-keep-us-happier-and-healthier\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">happier in their relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than those with commonalities.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many reasons exist for why opposites attract when sharing a partnership, one of which is the excitement of exploring the unknown. But when you have too many similarities, what is there to learn?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&rsquo;s little adventure or challenge, leaving little room for fun. Some of the reasons you&rsquo;ll find the opposites attract theory relevant include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Unique characteristics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each person has individual traits making their personality unique; their outlook is their own, with backgrounds new and ready to share. The differences are what make that first conversation on the phone last for hours.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s exhilarating to find out why someone chooses a particular way of life so dissimilar from your own. Some factors you might have considered at one point or another but never pursued; other things could prove intimidating or a weakness that you&rsquo;re attempting to improve.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In either situation, opposites that go together tend to complement each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where one is strong, the other is not so much, and vice versa. Generally, in these relationships, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/friendship-before-relationship-12-reasons-why-you-should-accept-being-his-friend\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">friendship develops<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first, mutual respect, and then a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Individualism<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personalities should vary in relationships. If you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/common-interests-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unique interests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it adds a layer of excitement. You can introduce each other to different activities you otherwise might not have tried.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, you like seeing the ballet or going to shows, but your new partner hasn&rsquo;t experienced this. On the other hand, your new mate loves sailing or other water activities, while you&rsquo;ve never tried these before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are things neither of you even contemplated previously but now can&rsquo;t imagine life without.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Complementary<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each person will complement the other in an opposite <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-of-attraction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">attraction relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, one of you might be high-level energy, while the other is much more subdued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There might be a more pleasant, talkative personality with someone else who chooses to stay on the sidelines with the house cat. What one person might lack, the other provides.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one wonders do opposites attract; instead, they see how each fills in the other&rsquo;s &ldquo;gaps,&rdquo; working cohesively together to enhance attributes and negate any potential flaws.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Habits<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When seeing someone with profound commonalities, shared habits can tend to become unnerving over time. It&rsquo;s almost like watching yourself act out same-old ritualistic day-to-day routines.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As far as opposites repel with their unusual habits, it&rsquo;s less frustrating to see someone functioning in their daily activities as a separate individual. It creates an attraction due to the little nuances adding to that person&rsquo;s charm, ultimately helping you develop a sense of love for that person.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:-<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/habits-that-can-lead-to-a-healthy-marriage-life\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11 Uncommon Habits that can Lead to a Healthy Marriage Life<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>5. Physical attraction<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often you&rsquo;ll hear that partners are more attracted to someone opposite to themselves, relating to chemistry and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/physical-attraction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical attraction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A rebel and a gentle soul are positive examples of the question, &ldquo;Do opposites attract in relationships?&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A passion may develop as respect grows over things of which you might wish you were capable.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Friendship might change into sparks based on the person&rsquo;s charming individualism. Love could grow as you&rsquo;re introduced to a world you might otherwise have avoided had you not met someone interested in showing it to you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67768\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/habits.jpg\" alt='Hand Turns Dice and Changes the Expression \"Old Habits\" to \"New Habits\".' width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-pros-when-dating-someone-who%E2%80%99s-your-opposite\"><\/span><b>5 pros when dating someone who&rsquo;s your opposite&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For someone who wants to understand how opposites attract each other, it&rsquo;s best to learn the pros and cons.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps you understand how opposites attract and helps you weigh the positive and the not-so-good realities of dating someone who&rsquo;s your opposite.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. You complement each other<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best things about learning why opposites attract is that you learn how great it is to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/compliments-for-men\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">complement each other<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe you&rsquo;ve heard about someone being the yin to someone&rsquo;s yang, which makes perfect sense.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What we love about opposite people falling in love is that they learn to complement each other. One might be shy and the other outgoing, allowing them to help each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When one supports the other, and vice versa, it forms a balance that we all need in a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Believe it or not, complete opposite couples can work well when they can use their differences as their strengths.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. You&rsquo;ll learn new things from each other&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do opposites really attract? The answer will depend on the people involved. It&rsquo;s not impossible to fall for someone who is your opposite, especially when you have so much to learn from each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Danica adds,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Dating someone dissimilar to you challenges you to learn through their perspective and broaden your horizons.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are similar in almost everything, the room for exploring, learning, and teaching is minimal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But with opposite couples, this opportunity seems endless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your conversation could go on for hours, and you can&rsquo;t stop listening. What&rsquo;s best is that this goes both ways.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You learn, and you teach each other lessons about dealing with people, how to handle stress, and even hobbies to enjoy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress relief tips in four easy steps? Check out this video to better understand why these tips can help us deal with stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:-<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/relationship-lessons\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18 Relationship Lessons From Happy and Loving Couples<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zVvE4_-ISUU\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. You learn to have more empathy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It could be wonderful if you get into a relationship with opposite personality traits. This could teach you how to show more empathy with each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You know you and your partner are different, so you want to be more understanding towards your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You know how it feels when you&rsquo;re dealing with something new. Thus, you begin to show more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/understand-your-partner\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understanding to your partner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this sense, the stronger your feelings of compassion towards your partner, the greater motivation you have to reduce their distress.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. You can easily keep the passion alive<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do opposites attract in relationships even after the honeymoon phase is over?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&rsquo;s one good thing when you are opposites, and you can easily make a way to bring the passion back.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are similar, you will tire of doing the same things that you like and want to try other things too.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, since you are opposites, you can effectively introduce exciting ways to stay intimate, and we&rsquo;re not just talking about sex here.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can venture into new hobbies, start learning new things that your partner loves and share the moment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:-<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/stoke-the-flame-5-secrets-to-keeping-passion-in-your-marriage\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 Ways to build passion in a relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>5. You learn to be more patient&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you get to know each other, you embrace each other&rsquo;s differences and appreciate them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thing with being in love with a person who is your opposite is that you learn to be more patient with each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you don&rsquo;t agree, you talk, make amends, or at the least, meet halfway.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You understand that not everyone&rsquo;s the same, and with this, your patience grows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-have-more-patience-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Empathy and patience<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will help any relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-cons-when-dating-someone-who%E2%80%99s-your-opposite\"><\/span><b>5 cons when dating someone who&rsquo;s your opposite&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like any relationship, couples who are opposites will also have their cons. Here are some cons of dating someone who is your opposite.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Pressure to keep up with your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it true that opposites attract even if their differences are many?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attraction to a person who is your opposite is quite common. As you enter a relationship, you learn more about this person. It could be exciting, that&rsquo;s for sure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, like many other couples, you face the real world once you pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/recapture-the-honeymoon-phase\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">honeymoon stage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some couples think of the differences as exciting ways to learn and explore, but for some, it causes pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, trying to keep up with your opposite partner can also be tiring.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner loves partying and you don&rsquo;t, you might feel pressured to attend these events even if you don&rsquo;t want to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Danica suggests,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>It&rsquo;s important to find a balance and harmony with your differences, not try to turn your partner into you<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>2. Lack of interest&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do opposites attract when you realize your partner&rsquo;s likes and dislikes are the opposite of yours?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At first, the thrill of getting to know each other might be great, but as you get to know your partner, you realize that some of this person&rsquo;s likes are not just the opposite of yours but also something you dislike, then this could create disagreements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One reason people who are opposites don&rsquo;t work is the total <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/is-he-losing-interest-or-just-stressed\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lack of interest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2020.590748\/full\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">introvert<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. extrovert, a sporty and a non-sporty person, someone who loves books, and someone who loves to hang out outside, are just some things that can make a difference in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Frequent clashes because of differences&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think the cons of dating someone your opposite solely rely on likes and dislikes, that is just the tip of the iceberg.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Danica adds here,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>While personality and superficial differences can create a spark, fundamental or value-based differences might not benefit compatibility in the long term.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&rsquo;s more to a relationship than just likes and hobbies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have different values and beliefs in life could clash. Not all couples have good communication; thus, realizing how different your views and beliefs can cause disagreements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you divide your earnings? How do you raise your kids? What are your discipline styles as parents? Do in-laws always have a say?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just some issues that can cause people with different views to disagree with each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/good-communication-basics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good communication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this can be a tough part of your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Falling apart due to different life goals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;re in love, but your partner doesn&rsquo;t see your goals in life.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want to plan, save, and be cautious with your endeavors, yet your spouse or partner is someone who loves to take chances.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life goals are important to all of us, but can you imagine being with someone who doesn&rsquo;t understand your goals or wouldn&rsquo;t support you?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you work this out?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being with the total opposite will not work out if you don&rsquo;t see eye to eye. This can only cause issues and misunderstandings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, you&rsquo;ll choose the path you want.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:-<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/realistic-relationship-goals\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">35 Relationship Goals for Couples &amp; Tips to Achieve Them<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>5. You get tired of trying<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can opposites work in a relationship?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It could, like all relationships, falling in love with someone is a risk, and it takes years to know someone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though, sometimes, you feel tired even if you try to work things out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You feel <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/10615806.2020.1845430\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exhausted<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trying to keep up with your partner. It becomes too much when the two of you are trying to see how you can work things out and how you can fix your differences.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, these differences can be too much.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you love each other, you get to where you feel tired and realize it won&rsquo;t work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67769\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/is-there-a-mutual-investment-in-the-partnership.jpg\" alt=\"Men and Wome Holding Their Hands Together\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-ways-to-make-a-relationship-with-an-opposite-work\"><\/span><b>5 ways to make a relationship with an opposite work&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship is precious, whether with an opposite or someone alike. The only difference is in the dynamics shared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can be a bonus as long as you have open, honest transparency from the moment you meet. That can save many headaches, prevent wasted time, and stop arguments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Appreciate your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can opposites have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/rules-for-a-healthy-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">successful relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? They can!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you are opposites, you can make it work, and it could be one beautiful love story.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&rsquo;s start with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/healthbeat\/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appreciation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appreciate your partner&rsquo;s effort. If you love to party and your partner doesn&rsquo;t, but they still try to see how you enjoy things, be thankful for that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effort that your partner puts into exploring your world is difficult. Appreciation makes everything worth it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Challenge each other &ndash; in a good way<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete opposite couples could make it work if they know how to challenge each other in a good way.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never challenge your partner to see who is better or right, as this will lead to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/chaos-and-drama-in-your-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chaotic relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, know the topics or issues where you have different opinions, such as politics, holidays, movies, and even how you spend your weekends.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, instead of debating, why not encourage each other to come up with an alternative where the both of you can enjoy and grow?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;t have to agree on everything, but you can acknowledge and state your views.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who knows, you might both enjoy the opportunity to venture into new ideas together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Set boundaries and respect them<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, couples who are opposites should know that it&rsquo;s not always trying to accept your partner&rsquo;s beliefs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do that, you won&rsquo;t be true to yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should still maintain your individuality while being open to others&rsquo; opinions. Both you and your partner should <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/setting-boundaries-in-a-new-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set boundaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and be able to respect them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;t want to feel pushed into something you don&rsquo;t like, right?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a healthy relationship, you need to give your special someone the space and right to disagree if they want to.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Communication is key<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the dawn of time, people have had such challenges with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/29452035_Communication_skills_in_couples_A_review_and_discussion_of_emerging_perspectives\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">communication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in partnerships, and that&rsquo;s not only where opposites are involved. Still, these are the ones where lack of communication is the most damaging.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you don&rsquo;t fess up from the start on issues that could perceivably affect the other person&rsquo;s life, that&rsquo;s unfair. But, unfortunately, in opposite situations, you will find that a regular occurrence simply because they&rsquo;re not having the discussions right off the gate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Be honest<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you are honest about your preferences and expectations from the beginning. These will help establish <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/realistic-expectations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">realistic expectations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for both partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one wants to find out after months of dating that you prefer to have sex with many people instead of remaining faithful to an individual who firmly believes in monogamy. Or that you have no intention of holding a job.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While life choices are a vital conversation, other things also need discussing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to give the other person the opportunity from the moment you meet to decide if the things that make you unique are something with which they want to contend, full disclosure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The potential mate might not enjoy that you&rsquo;re a social butterfly or prefer nights out to staying home for peaceful evenings. The person might not appreciate that you&rsquo;re quiet and reserved if they&rsquo;re talkative and free-spirited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be who you are and express those qualities immediately to either be on a second date or move on to another mate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do-opposites-make-good-couples\"><\/span><b>Do opposites make good couples?&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We may question whether two people who are opposites can come together to form a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/7-characteristics-of-a-good-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But this can happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing strengths from someone you know you don&rsquo;t have is attractive and could work when you become lovers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This way, you complement each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your differences can be used to support your partner and vice versa. This can create a good foundation for couples. If you think you have this in your relationship, that is a good start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like all couples, you should still work hard to ensure that those differences won&rsquo;t impede your love.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, complement and not repel each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do-opposites-ultimately-repel-each-other\"><\/span><b>Do opposites ultimately repel each other?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any relationship, whether it be those with commonalities or opposites, there can be issues. But, unfortunately, problems develop in either scenario for the same reason &ndash; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/3-reasons-why-a-lack-of-communication-in-marriage-can-be-detrimental\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lack of communication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you can communicate better in a like\/like situation vs. an opposites&rsquo; relationship will depend on the individual. The important thing is that someone starts the conversation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it true that opposites attract in a relationship and that these matches will last? Of course, those are subjective questions, so it depends on who you ask and at what stage they are in the partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A brand-new couple will likely have only positive replies. However, two people together for an extended period will have history and can answer more authentically.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, being different in every way might cause a few challenges. Say, perhaps one person wants children, and the other is firm against the prospect. So let&rsquo;s go a few degrees less dramatic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe someone likes to travel while the other doesn&rsquo;t leave their state, or one loves the nightlife while the other is a homebody. These can seem minor but, over time, may create a wedge. Start a conversation and do so early on. Otherwise, your opposing partnership might be an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsb.stanford.edu\/insights\/turns-out-opposites-dont-attract-after-all\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unsuccessful<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In-a-nutshell\"><\/span><b>In a nutshell<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do opposites attract? Yes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of us like the person most unlike ourselves. It&rsquo;s exciting, enticing, and, yes, attractive. It brings out something in us that we, for some reason, keep hidden.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We get to have new experiences we typically don&rsquo;t allow ourselves, and this partnership strengthens our weaknesses or perhaps theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attraction doesn&rsquo;t equate to compatibility or longevity, however. Opposite unions have and will stand the test of time, but they have also been short-lived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on your level of communication, which is crucial in this type of partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you become emotionally invested before learning more about the other person&rsquo;s life values, it could prove devastating for one or both of you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, significant imbalances in choices don&rsquo;t mean you can&rsquo;t talk through the issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps, go to couples counseling and attempt to work out a compromise through deep discussion. But if you reach an impasse, you can&rsquo;t prolong the inevitable, especially if there&rsquo;s a problem like children or marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you even reach that point, there&rsquo;s the point where you meet and have that initial discussion that typically lasts for several hours, either in a coffee<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shop or on the phone. Be authentic. That conversation holds the key to whether your opposite attraction will be compatible.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><\/pre>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like attracts like, right? So people with commonalities, such as basic views on life, goals for career, background, and maybe even general interests, make entering into a relationship much more effortless. How could anyone not stick with someone resembling themselves? But, perhaps, it&rsquo;s a tad boring, not a challenge, leaving you with little to explore together.&nbsp; So, do opposites attract? Most people find they have an innate curiosity when meeting someone who demonstrates unique qualities from their own. It&rsquo;s intriguing. Maybe specific weaknesses for one person might be a strength in the potential partner. Their differences ultimately complement each other. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":67767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2501],"tags":[2597],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67764"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67764"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110754,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67764\/revisions\/110754"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}