Myth 27: Opposites Attract

Question 1

What is homophily?

Answer 1

Tendency of similar people to attract

Question 2

Do opposites attract?

Answer 2

No, most research found those claims aren’t valid

Question 3

Is there in difference in attraction for romantic and non-romantic relationships?

Answer 3

No, in both relationships, people tend to be more attracted to people who have similar personality characteristics and attitudes

Question 4

How can this myth have been originated? (3)

Answer 4

1. Interesting story for the media
2. We think we have to be with someone who completes us
3. There may be a little truth in the myth, where some differences help the relationship stay interesting

Question 5

Of which things is similarity in personality traits a good predictor?

Answer 5

Initial attraction and marital stability and happiness

Question 6

Which personality trait is most important for marital satisfaction?

Answer 6

Conscientiousness has to match (organized vs disorganized won’t work)

Question 7

Why is dissimilarity in attitudes sometimes a better predictor of attraction?

Answer 7

Dissimilarity: it’s especially unlikely to be attracted to each other

Opposites often repel if they don’t match!