Some people are quick to agree with the old adage that opposites attract, often citing their own relationship as proof that you don’t need to share the same values or outlook to fall in love, but researchers have debunked the idea throughout the years.
Indeed, various studies have shown friends and romantic partners tend to share core beliefs, values and hobbies. A 2023 study published in Nature Human Behaviour analysed more than 130 traits – including political leanings, the age of losing one’s virginity and substance use habits – with data from millions of couples spanning over more than a century. It found that partners overlapped in approximately 82 to 89 per cent of the traits analysed, showing couples were more likely than not to be similar.
But what if you and your partner find that your habits or beliefs are moving in different directions? Does that mean you’re heading for a split? Not necessarily, according to relationship experts who examined common marriage mismatches and offered advice on how to deal with them.
Shorts
One is a gym bunny, the other a couch potato
