Opposites attract: 1 in 5 couples say they have nothing in common — and it’s fine
Paula Abdul was right.
New research reveals that opposites really do attract, with 1 in 5 couples admitting to having nothing in common — and it’s honestly fine.
A study of 2,000 adults in a relationship, commissioned by British cable channel Sky Atlantic, shows that 51% were attracted to their partner because of the physical and vocal differences, such as facial features, style and accents.
Nearly 25% found they have different hobbies compared to their partner and 14% people said their musical tastes were on completely different wavelengths.
Whether couples have a lot in common or little to nothing, compromise is always involved in the relationship. Of the adults polled, 22% admit they changed their interests to have something in common with their partner.
Some aspects can be challenging for pairs, who are polar opposites, to overcome, 11% admit they find it difficult to plan things to do with their partner and 34% have disagreed with their significant other on decision-making.
Regardless of the differences, 51% of the respondents claim opposing relationships work best for them and 73% believe having different interests can lead to more enriching conversations in a relationship.
The study also revealed that 24% of the participants believe couples with contrasting views are more likely to stay together than those without.
Some celebrity couples who are complete opposites include Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elon Musk and Grimes and Bill Murray and Kelis, the findings stated.
Douglas and Zeta-Jones have been married for 23 years.
Meanwhile, a recent report from the University of Colorado Boulder throws water on the notion that couples need not have anything in common to get along.
Psychological researchers have found “no compelling evidence” that opposites attract, after reviewing several million couples’ case studies from 100 years to 1903.
“Our findings demonstrate that birds of a feather are indeed more likely to flock together,” said author and psychology doctoral candidate Tanya Horwitz.
Extensive research analyzed over 130 personality traits such as political views, alcohol consumption, social behavior and age of first intercourse. The analysis found that between 82% and 89% of traits, partners were likely to be similar challenging “opposites attract” saying.
“These findings suggest that even in situations where we feel like we have a choice about our relationships, there may be mechanisms happening behind the scenes of which we aren’t fully aware,” Horwitz added.
“We’re hoping people can use this data to do their own analyses and learn more about how and why people end up in the relationships they do.”
