‘Opposites attract’ is a total myth in relationships — here’s why you’re likely to seek a partner who’s just like you

Richard Cartwright/CBS

• The idea that “opposites attract” in relationships is a myth.
• In reality, people tend to be attracted to those who are similar to themselves, as dozens of studies have shown.
• This could be because personality contrasts tend to stand out and become bigger over time.

(THE CONVERSATION) Everyone seems to agree that opposites attract. Young and old people, happy and distressed couples, single folks and married partners – all apparently buy the classic adage about love. Relationship expertshave writtenbooks based on this assumption. It’s even been internalized by people who are on the hunt for a partner, with 86 percent of those looking for love saying they’re seeking someone with opposite traits.

The problem is that what’s true of magnets is not at all true of romance. As I explain in my book, “Great Myths of Intimate Relationships: Dating, Sex, and Marriage,” people tend to be attracted to those who are similar – not opposite – to themselves.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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