Attack of the clones
Dating your clone... hmmm, sounds appealing. In fact, it’s scarily like that Seinfeld episode where Jerry meets Jeannie, the girl who shares his initials and love of Cheerios and comics. “I know what I’ve been looking for all these years,” Jerry tells Kramer excitedly. “Myself! I’ve been waiting for me to come along! And now I’ve swept myself off my feet!” Naturally, in the same episode he realizes he can’t be with someone like himself, because he hates himself, and actually needs someone who’s the complete opposite of himself. Which begs the question: just how much do opposites attract?
I mean, there’s merit in being with someone who complements you by being neat while you’re messy, and a stellar cook while you’re famous for burning water. But fundamentally, I think you need three things in common for the best shot at creating something loving and long-term: a) values; b) life goals; c) a desire to know/socialise with your partner’s family and friends. Beyond that, you can be as downright different as you please. (I hope.)
*** OK, your turn... are you better off with someone who’s more like you? Or do you crave all the fire and passion of being with your complete opposite?




11 Comments:
At May 30, 2007 2:48 PM,
Anonymous said…
hmmmm, interesting post RC. I reckon we're all looking for a bit of ourselves in potential partners - but it's equally important that they have character traits that compliment ours, rather than mirror them. It's just plain boring otherwise!
At May 30, 2007 2:52 PM,
reality chick said…
Agreed anon, but I must say I like the thought of meeting someone who's just a bit more like me this time around. I spent years in a long-term relationship fraught with battles because we were so different. Now I'm all for an easy life ;-)
At May 30, 2007 10:27 PM,
Anonymous said…
I'd have to say that I would prefet someone similar to me but i dont think anyone could handle someone pretty much exactly the same, there's no balance then. I want a guy who'll balance me without being totally opposite - like yin and yang i guess :)
At May 31, 2007 11:07 AM,
IsThisThingOn? said…
Speaking of clones - have you ever seen those couples that look like each other? Creepy! Why do we go for people who look like us I wonder???
At May 31, 2007 11:27 AM,
reality chick said…
It's like when people start to resemble their pets.
At May 31, 2007 3:59 PM,
buzzgirl said…
My sis married an Egyptian and the cultural differences proved to be insurmountable eventually. I think you are quite right and shared values is very important. It also helps to have similar family backgrounds I reckon. Makes those gatherings so much easier if they're not hugely posher than you. Or more bogan. (sorry I'm such a snob). But some differences are crucial. If I married a bloke who talked as much as me, our ears would star bleeding. And while I'm a bit of a party girl, he's more a homeboy so we balance each other nicely.
At May 31, 2007 5:26 PM,
reality chick said…
Similar upbringing - I knew I'd forgotten something! Dammit, I have to stop writing posts when I'm completely trolleyed! :)
At May 31, 2007 5:28 PM,
kat said…
a friend of mine believes you have to treat people the same way too. i went out with someone who was paranoid about other people and very slow to trust them or make friends, whereas i make friends with people, horses, inanimate objects... looking back it really pee'ed him off and me too, because i wanted him to be friendlier!
At June 01, 2007 9:51 AM,
Bubble Girl said…
I never realised how it important is was to be with someone who has a desire to know/socialise with your family and friends. My ex was pretty cagey about spending time with my friends and family - I know now that it was because he was sure that they could see straight through him and know that his feelings for me weren't as genuine as he was making out. It meant I had to keep my lives separate. With my new boy, he loves spending time with my friends and family . . . so much less stress and much more enjoyable!!!!!
At June 01, 2007 11:18 AM,
buzzgirl said…
Ooh good point Kat. Like if you are with a bloke who treats waiters badly when you always try to be pleasant. Or if someone gives up a seat for an old person you know they are decent. Or how they treat beggars is a good one. If it's a "fuck off and get a job" response rather than a polite "not today, mate" then you've got probs.
At June 01, 2007 12:57 PM,
reality chick said…
yeah, isn't it an awful feeling when you're with someone who you're constantly locking horns with over how they treat people - the waiter thing is a goodie.
Can I also say, E) someone who is extremely uptight and inflexible - so for example wants to eat dinner EVERY DAY AT 6PM and won't deviate, even if you're invited out to dinner..... so either everyone eats at 6pm, or he doesn't go. Yes, there are boys out there like this, so I hear.
Post a Comment
Been in this situation yourself? Or simply want to weigh in with a little extra advice? Join in! Thanks for sharing, guys...
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home