We have all heard of the black cat and golden retriever trope, grumpy and cheerful; and the sun and moon cliché. Although these tropes may be a romanticized perception of opposing personalities, I believe opposites do, in fact, attract.

I used to think that phrase was cheesy and even inaccurate. However, I realized the more polar qualities or interests you have with your partner, the more invigorating that relationship can be. Contrasting personalities provide new perspectives, opportunities to explore different hobbies and passions you would have never considered, and dynamics unlike what you usually surround yourself with. 

When in a relationship with someone different than you, the first thing you will notice is that they likely have totally a different perspective on the world. A person who is incredibly close to you but sees the world in another way allows you to appreciate new views and also makes you a more open-minded person overall. When these two characteristics come together in a relationship, it becomes more exciting and rewarding.

I think we have all wanted to branch out of our comfort zones at least once in our lives. Oftentimes, people want to try things outside of their familiar environment, but are either too fearful or lack confidence. For example, I have always wanted to watch and discuss movies, but never had the leisure or clue where to begin. When I first started dating my current boyfriend, he often proposed staying in and watching a movie. Not only did I get to try out a new pastime that I had been wanting to begin for a while, but I also got to do it with someone I enjoy spending time with. 

 Being with someone who has a different lifestyle and hobbies allows you to try new things you would never have imagined yourself doing before, while also enabling yourself to share some of your favorite pastimes with someone you care about. In my free time, I prefer to go out and spend time with a larger group of people. Although this was not my boyfriend’s preferable hobby, he agreed to try something new even though he had no idea if he would enjoy it. He then began to keep his mind more open, leading us to go on more dates that included unfamiliar activities and experiences.

At the beginning of our relationship, I was apprehensive to make such a drastic change of bringing someone who was totally opposite to me into my life. We had very little in common. Previously, I gravitated towards people who I shared common interests or values with, like my friends. To those who are currently with someone similar to you, this is not meant to discourage you from pursuing someone similar. Instead, this column is meant to tell my story and personal experience with the “opposites attract’’ dynamic. Being in a relationship or even close to someone who is the polar opposite of you can bring out the brighter and more fun side of yourself that you might not always show.