In the human species, which do you feel is more often true?

1. 82

   bethperryposted 10 years ago

   In the human species, which do you feel is more often true?
   
   "Like attracts like."
   or
   "Opposites attract."
   
   
   
   

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2. 67

   Fatihaposted 10 years ago

   Opposite attracts but likes do too as some people find solace in the feeling that the other person is so much like him.

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   1. 82

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Fatiha, that is a good point.

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3. 0

   dragonflycolorposted 10 years ago

   I defend the position of opposition.  You cannot have a positive without a negative, an up without a down, or a yes without a no.  Opposites are dynamically "attracted" to one another out of pure curiosity or conflict clashing.  It is in our nature to find those that are like us, but to also be interested or stimulated by those who are not.

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   1. 82

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      dragonflycolor, I tend to agree with you here. My husband and I are polar opposites in most ways, and very happy.

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4. 60

   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   Hard to say as I think both can be true. If I had to choose one from my own experience I'd do with opposite...so much to learn and understand about someone who is different than you are.

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   1. 82

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      duffsmom, I agree with you on this!

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5. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   Both are actually true for different reasons.
   Opposites attract because they're interesting or possibly exciting due to their unpredictability. Like attracts like because there is an instant rapport and "comfortability" that causes one feel like they've met their "soul-mate". However some people prefer opposites because they are easily bored with like minded people.
   With age comes experience and many of us learn that opposites attract divorce attorneys. :-)
   What was unpredictable is later seen as "unreliable", hilarious becomes "immature", strong becomes "controlling", easy-going becomes "weak", beauty becomes narcissistic, wealthy becomes greedy, frugal becomes cheap.....And so it goes that the traits we found so attractive in the beginning become the things that often irritate us later on.

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   1. 82

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You've pointed out some truth, dashingscorpio. Thanks for commenting.

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6. 79

   Emmyboyposted 10 years ago

   I don't know for any other person out there because I can only speak for myself.
   
   To me, like attracts like.
   
   Opposites also attract but I will say this is just for the sake of satisfying one's curiosity and nothing more.
   
   People can cope with others more if they have more similarities than differences because our similarities makes us see the other person as an extension of ourselves.
   
   It is also easier to understand the other person when both of you are more similar and seem to have the same opinion rather than facing the 'battle' of trying to understand what is 'wrong' with the other person.

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   1. 82

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Emmyboy, you make some good points. I have found it interesting that my husband and I are polar opposites in most ways, however over time (20 years we've known each other) we've grew more alike in views and likes/dislikes.

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7. 60

   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   beth........So nice to hear from another woman who is polar opposite from her husband, yet have a good relationship, despite this fact.  My husband (now deceased) and I were this classification of couples.   There were very few minor things we may have agreed upon.  For the most part, considering all major aspects and concepts of life, we were simply complete opposites.
   It could very well be that this works for some and others who can't imagine being in a relationship as opposites.  My hubby and I often wondered about it ourselves. LOL......I think, actually, because we were asked so often by others HOW the hell we got along so well and remained so happy together, being as totally different from one another.
   I'd have to say that it requires 2 mature, intelligent adults who respect one another as well as their viewpoints, goals, beliefs, etc.......and refuse to allow the differences to be a source of annoyance and/or debate.   
   I can assure any doubters.....it worked just fine for us.  We had a very happy, comfortable relationship.......and a lot of laughter. 
   Relationships are as complex as the people who make up the relationship.  If they want it to work, it will work...... GREAT question
   As for WHICH is more often found to occur?  I'd have to say 2 people more alike........rather than different.  The latter is probably fairly rare!

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8. 55

   PoeticFailosophyposted 10 years ago

   Good question, but it seems about equal to me.  It can be hard to classify couples, since they may be identical in some respects and opposite in others.  I think that when they are similar in their views on marriage they tend to last longer.  Couples where both view cheating as a deal breaker, or where both agree to an open arrangement for example, or where both prioritize being together over external factors like jobs and family, I think they make it farther.

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