Compatibility and Personality Type - Do Opposites Really Attract?

Written by: Molly Owens
Published on: September 6, 2011
Category: Love & Compatibility

It's the classic story of the Odd Couple: she's the life of the party, while he gives any excuse to leave early. He's orderly and fastidious, while she leaves milk on the counter and clothes on the floor. He's logical, she's emotional; he's from Mars, she's from Venus. Much is made of the idea that opposites attract, and we all know at least one of these "odd couples" that makes a relationship work despite major differences. But is it true that opposites attract? And more importantly, what makes for the most successful relationship-a stimulating opposite or a comforting soul mate?

Many researchers have set out to answer this question. In order to classify their subjects' differences, compatibility researchers often use Myers-Briggs personality typing. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator® is the most widely used personality inventory in the world, and provides an easy-to-understand basis for studies on compatibility. The Myers-Briggs theory asserts that our fundamental differences in thinking, making decisions, and organizing our lives can be understood by measuring our preferences in four key areas: