Opposites Attract (Or Just Drive Us Nuts)

Tell me again why “opposites attract.” On the minor things: values, family, raising kids, religion, money, politics, sex, love, and videotape, the hubby and I are totally on the same page. But it’s those pesky major things that tend to trip us up.

For instance, my idea of a good snack is a bowl of raspberries with Cool Whip Lite. His is a family-sized bag of Mega-M&M’s (those are the humongous ones). I read voraciously (granted, we’re not always talking fine literature here unless People Mag counts but still, there are printed words on a page); he incessantly plays this computer game that makes a weird annoying whomping noise. I go for chick flicks or romantic comedies; he prefers something supernatural or gory.

So tell me: are you involved with an “opposite?” And does it attract you or just drive you crazy?

Comments

I am currently going through a divorce from my "total opposite." For me, it didn't work. I know a lot of people for whom it does - obviously, it does for you. These types of relationships work out as long as the "opposites" aren't major issues. You say your opposite issues are majors ones... I suggest that the "minor" issues you mention at the beginning are actually the ones that really matter. Love ya!

There have been numerous studies done re:
marrying your "opposite". The experts say that you are initially attracted to someone who helps fill your own voids/compensate for your weaknesses. But, over time, you grow to resent it, hence, the high divorce rate. In other words, "to thine own self, be true".

Ah, the opposites. Some days it drives me crazy, but we're a great match on the great days. My optimism kinda balances out his pessimistic nature, I can listen very well for the both of us and I am not too lazy to get a hammer and do what needs to be done because it has to be done. I tend to disagree that opposites is responsible for the high divorce rate. You kidding me? Which study is this - as we can't all be the same. I thought most people who divorce usually in the beginning say, Oh, but we have so much in common and all that goes to you know where in a hen basket. It really doesn't matter if you're opposites, crazy as it may drive you some days, all that matters is that you have good values.

I am married to my opposite. Literally. I am an Aries, he is directly across from me on the wheel and is a Libra. We are each others yin & yang. I too love to read, he has only really read one book in his entire life. We make it work. We've been married almost 14 years. We have 6 kids together and have raised 4 others that weren't even ours. As long as you make it a point to discuss and work things out, you can succeed. I am a theatre major. He hates theatre. It works because we make it a priority. But we still drive each other nuts :)

I married my opposite. Yes sometimes we get on each others nerves but I find I just have to remind myself not only would we already be divorced if he and I were the same, but our differences are why we work so well together. He totally balances me and when I let go of the stupid stuff (which really it is) then I have fun again and enjoy being his compliment.

I have been married to my opposite for nine years and we actually dated for five years before saying I do. It seems to work great. He's pessimistic, I'm optimistic. He's outgoing & the life of the party and I'm quiet and shy. He practically lives off of veggies and all natural foods while I can't get enough fast food & sweets. He's hyper and I'm laid back. We just seem to balance each other out.

I have been married to my opposite for 7 years. We can never agree on anything. He thinks he's always right and I'm always wrong. He thinks he's the best at everything and I'm too stupid to know what to do. Rather than argue like we have always done - I just gave up. We don't even talk anymore.

hi i'm married for about 12 yrs. we have two beautiful daughters.my husband and i are kind of opposites.we respect each other's point of view and alter our tolerence level as situation demands.it works!!!and we still go crazy with or without each other!!!

It, of course, attracts you (initially). But those are often the things that ultimately drive you nuts! He's neat--isn't that cute when you're dating and he straightens up without comment. But now that you're married and you have different organization techniques, why must he comment constantly on how things should be put away???

my b/f and i are opposites; he's a li'l conservative in values and i have 2 tattoos. he loves to cook and clean, i'm too lazy to do so. we have different music and movie tastes. he likes to eat fine foods, i am satisfied by a can of beans. i'm a laid back worker, he's intense which forces me to pick up the slack and him to just relax every now and then. and we both come from different cultural backgrounds: i'm mexican, he's white. also he's incredibly intelligent, i'm only slightly above average. but we are both scientists/engineers. in all, we are a perfect match.

My husband and I are definitely opposites. We seem to find balance/compromise in all areas except when it comes to eating. I eat fairly healthy... husband not so much. It is very difficult to raise children to have good eating habits when dad is eating a bag of potato chips in one sitting! ;)