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The Myth Debunked: Do Opposites Really Attract?

We've all heard it before, right? That age-old saying, "opposites attract." But what if I told you that this might not be the case? A recent study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has dropped a bombshell on this popular belief, and the findings are nothing short of fascinating.

Birds of the Same Feather, Indeed!

The comprehensive analysis from CU Boulder delved deep into over 130 traits, examining millions of couples spanning more than a century. And guess what? For a whopping 82% to 89% of these traits, partners were more alike than different. Tanya Horwitz, the lead author and a doctoral candidate at the university, remarked, "Our findings demonstrate that birds of a feather are indeed more likely to flock together." So, it seems that the idea of "opposites attract" might just be a romanticized notion rather than a factual one.

What Traits Were Studied?

From political leanings to substance use habits, and even the age of first intercourse, the study was thorough. Interestingly, only in 3% of the traits did individuals tend to partner with those who were different from them. Traits such as political and religious attitudes, level of education, and even certain measures of IQ showed particularly high correlations among couples. On the other hand, traits like height, weight, and certain personality aspects had lower correlations.

But Wait, There's More!

While the majority of traits showed similarities among couples, there were a few exceptions. For instance, whether someone is a "morning lark" or a "night owl," their tendency to worry, and hearing difficulty showed some negative correlations. However, more research is needed to fully understand these findings.

Why Does This Matter?

Beyond just understanding human relationships, this study has significant implications for genetic research. Many models in genetics assume random human mating. However, this study challenges that notion, highlighting the importance of "assortative mating" where individuals with similar traits couple up.

Moreover, the reasons why couples share traits can vary. Some might grow up in the same area, some might be attracted to those similar to them, and some might grow more alike as they spend more time together. Depending on the cause, there could be various consequences, both genetically and socially.

Wrapping It Up

While the correlations found in the study were modest, they open up a plethora of questions and avenues for further research. From economics to sociology, anthropology, and psychology, the findings from this study are bound to spark more investigations into human relationships.

So, the next time you hear someone say "opposites attract," you might want to share this eye-opening study with them. After all, knowledge is power!

References:

• University of Colorado at Boulder. "Study confirms it: Opposites don't actually attract." ScienceDaily, 5 September 2023. Link