FACEOFF: no: YES: Do opposites attract?

When it comes to ideal love, many people search for someone who shares common interests, similar styles and, most of all, related personalities, but looking for these similar traits has been the wrong approach this entire time. When locating a perfect pair, most times, individuals both carry qualities that the other does not fill in those gaps. People take the phrase “opposites attract” far too literally; opposites do not have to be a “bad boy” and a “good girl,” it can simply be someone who is outgoing and someone more reserved.

Although Scientific evidence has debunked the popular phrase “opposites attract”, many still think this phrase remains true in several ways. One can see this phrase in action when looking at well-known celebrity couples, including Mila Kunis and Aston Kutcher and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. While on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” Kunis and Kutcher stated that they were opposites, but that balanced them out as a couple, further proving this attraction between opposites.

Learning new aspects of a person that differs from yourself can provide novelty to a relationship and spark unique conversations. Especially in this generation, opposing views have begun to move people apart, but what if these views could strike conversations that inform others and allow for a better understanding of opposing views? What if creating healthy opposition allows this negativity associated with having a different opinion slowly fade away?

Opposition still contains a highly negative connotation, yet in numerous cases, these oppositions have brought people closer. For example, if someone always notices the good in life while the other only sees the bad, these opposing perspectives on life can slowly merge into the perfect medium for looking at life in a positive light but still remaining aware of the negatives.

Opposites do not always have to be people we run away from; instead, we can learn new opinions on different topics to broaden our viewpoints. Having different strengths and weaknesses allows the other person to fill in the gaps you lack and vice versa. “Opposites attract” is a broad term that people have believed for years, but understanding the positive side of having divergent views and different interests transforms this negative phrase into something that can strengthen a relationship and lead to engaging conversations.

Ava Garcia Managing Editor a.garcia.thepanther@gmail.com

Although opposite personalities benefit the other by introducing them to new values, having little or nothing in common after advancing past the stage of initial admiration increases chances that the two will get bored of each other or argue on a greater scale. Do opposites really attract, or is it all a myth?

The homogamy hypothesis explains the effects of similarities in a relationship. In 2013, psychologists Matthew Montoya and Robert Horton concluded that this hypothesis dominated in a relationship’s success. Similar attitudes, personality traits and values all contribute to a stable and healthy relationship while drastic differences make it difficult for it to work out. For example, one person may be a neat freak and feel the obligation to keep the house spotless, while their partner throws their clothes on the floor and leaves mail lying around the house, which raises conflicts and poses a threat to the well-being of the relationship.

A past study found that couples who share values fared better in their marriages than those who did not. If a relationship encounters conflict over differing values and conflicting goals, such as where to reside, or whether or not they want children, there is a higher chance that these arguments will end in divorce. Empathy is key in emotional support among partners, and it makes it extremely difficult to put oneself in the shoes of someone they cannot relate to. Additionally, as parents, partners need to cooperate and work effectively. How would two complete opposites come to terms with parenting methods and means of educating and raising a child? With these issues, the child will grow up with insecurities and uneasiness over their parents’ disputes.

Finding somebody who suits your lifestyle, personality and shares your morals and perspectives, instead of challenging them, will increase the likelihood that you will find a middle ground in most conflicts, establish trust and understanding and find happiness together.

Sofia Strohmeier Copy Editor s.strohmeier.thepanther@gmail.com