Do you really know? Do opposites really attract?
Feb 7, 2026
A quick dive into a 2023 meta-analysis that stacked hundreds of studies and UK Biobank data to test whether partners are alike or opposite. They list the 130 traits examined and highlight areas where similarity is strongest. The discussion touches on exceptions like extroversion and intriguing genetic signals. It closes by noting which similarities predict long-term bonds.
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Most Partners Resemble Each Other
- Joseph Chance reports researchers re-examined 199 studies and UK Biobank data on nearly 80,000 opposite-sex couples.
- They found 82–89% of traits were similar among partners while only about 3% were substantially different.
Examples Of Matching And Mismatching Traits
- Joseph Chance gives concrete examples like heavy smoking, drinking, politics, religion, education and IQ matching among partners.
- He contrasts these with weaker matches for extroversion, chronotype and tendency to worry.
Similarity Predicts Relationship Stability
- Joseph Chance notes most evidence suggests opposites rarely form lasting relationships.
- He explains similarity in behaviour, personality and opinion predicts relationship stability more than surface differences.