opposites attract

Difference draws together

Opposites attract expresses the idea that people with contrasting personalities or traits are drawn to each other romantically or socially.

The phrase comes from magnetism, where opposite poles pull together.

It's often invoked to explain unlikely pairings: They're so different—I guess opposites attract.

Whether the principle holds in real relationships remains debatable.

Opposites
relationship formation principles

opposites attractassortative mating

Pairing by shared traits

birds of a feather · common ground · shared values · kindred spirits · soul mates

social clustering behavior

opposites attractbirds of a feather

Those with shared characteristics

tribalism · echo chamber · homogeneity · filter bubble · conformity

Family

opposite, attract, attractive, opposition, attraction, contrary, unattractive, counterpart, attracted

Familiarity
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Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G