Merriam-Webster defines the idiom opposites attract as a phrase used to say that people who are very different from each other are often attracted to each other. It is a trope weve seen in TV shows and movies over and over again that not only applies to romantic relationships but friendships as well.

Is it true that opposites attract in a relationship?

The idea that opposites attract in relationships is a myth. In reality, people tend to be attracted to those who are similar to themselves, as dozens of studies have shown. This could be because personality contrasts tend to stand out and become bigger over time.

What is an example of opposites attract?

The most common example being the romantic inclination of opposite nature people. Opposites attract means someone completely opposite to you, more often than not, piques your interest. The heart always wants to explore the unexplored, something which is different. That is one of the primary laws of attraction.

Who was the first person to say opposites attract?

The idea of “opposites attract” was first posited in psychology by Robert Francis Winch, who studied spouses in the 1950s and came to the conclusion that it wasnt similarities that made a relationship work — rather, it was complementarity.