Who Knew? We’re Attracted to Ourselves

Hey guys! I wrote this post and my next one Sunday and Tuesday, but finally got added to the blog, so I apologize for them coming right after the other. But here goes!

I am not a “scientist” in the traditional sense- however, I do consider myself a political scientist. I believe that political science is just as much science as any other field. For this class, I will get to expand myself into other fields of science, for which I am excited to do.

According to this study, opposites don’t really attract (at least not in the personal, human chemistry sense.)

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/01/opposites-dont-attract-and-thats-bad-news/

The similarity-attraction effect has been shown all over the world. This does not come as a huge surprise to me, as it makes sense that we as humans would want to spend time with others who are like ourselves. With more in common to talk about, we feel more comfortable.

I think that us as people would like to think of ourselves as being diverse and and differentiated, and perhaps some of us truly are. But I don’t mind admitting that I enjoy being around people who are like me. Perhaps this is why we have clubs we join with similar interests with other people’s, sports teams we play on, and even the people we are attracted to.

Of course it would definitely pay off, us being more diverse. A wider range of friends, more diverse views and outlooks, and a well-rounded view of life with more experiences. Perhaps we should all take a look at ourselves and try to be more diverse, no matter whether opposites “attract” or not. The important thing is to surround yourself with the people who make you happy and who you enjoy being with. Whether science says this is people like you, or you actually do enjoy people who are opposites, let it be your experience.

Do you guys think opposites really do attract? Or are you more comfortable with people like you?